Osimhen close associate release details of Icardi's contract situation

Buchi Laba, a broadcaster and close associate of Victor Osimhen, has reported that Mauro Icardi has rejected Galatasaray's latest contract renewal offer, citing a significant proposed pay cut and an unsatisfactory, short contract length. 

According to Turkish outlet Yeniçağ Newspaper, it was initially thought that the Argentine striker had no qualms with the club's proposed financial package after Galatasaray President Dursun Özbek publicly confirmed that the boardroom had formally tabled an extension to retain the veteran forward. 

However, the report stated that because Laba is recognised by the Cim-Bom fanbase for his connection to Osimhen and his accurate insider reporting, particularly during the transfer saga that saw Galatasaray permanently acquire the Nigerian, supporters are treating his update regarding Icardi's stalled negotiations with the utmost seriousness.

Prior to Osimhen's arrival, Icardi was the undisputed star of Galatasaray, spearheading the club to the 2022/23 Süper Lig title.

However, a frustrating string of injury problems for the Argentine, combined with Osimhen's vastly superior performance levels and Icardi’s rumoured disciplinary issues, has seen the Nigerian unseat him as the ace of the squad. 

Despite this shift in prominence and the mounting uncertainty surrounding Icardi's long-term future in Turkey, the two marquee center-forwards have maintained a cordial, supportive public relationship, with Osimhen famously lifting Icardi’s shirt towards the Istanbul skyline in solidarity after the former Inter striker’s injury.

While trying to keep Icardi beyond this season, Galatasaray are also working hard to acquire more marquee targets to fulfil their Champions League ambitions. They recently approached departing Manchester City star Bernardo Silva but were reportedly discouraged by his lucrative salary demands.