LIVE – Icardi released: Lazio dreams, return to Italy taking shape but obstacles remain

Mauro Icardi has been officially released as a free agent effective June 30, 2026, after failing to extend his contract with Galatasaray. The Argentine striker, former Inter captain, is therefore on the market and evaluating various options. The most talked-about discussions in recent hours point to an inquiry from Lazio, an intriguing prospect for a penalty-playing center forward who, if fit, can still make a difference in Serie A. However, this is currently an exploratory possibility, not a formal offer.

The sticking point remains financial: according to reports, Icardi earned around €10 million annually in Turkey, a figure difficult for Italian clubs to replicate; negotiations could only take off under significantly different conditions. Other options on the table include a return to Italy with smaller clubs (among which Como has been linked) or foreign options, including Turkey and the Middle East. Nothing is set in stone: the transfer market is entering its crucial phase, and concrete action is needed, rather than rumors.

Note: With 30 days to go until the transfer window closes, the feasibility of a signing will also depend on the player's preferences regarding the duration and role (ownership vs. project), not just the asking price.