Mauro Icardi set to join Real Madrid in a shock January move

Galatasaray striker Mauro Icardi is closing in on a surprise move to Real Madrid in January, claims Radio Marca.

Icardi’s Madrid rumours surfaced earlier, but sources within the club denied it quickly.

However, the speculation appears to be far from over, and a deal could come to fruition this winter.

Icardi would reportedly join the Los Blancos in January in a deal that would see him earn around €8 million plus bonuses.

The 30-year-old’s extraordinary rebirth at Gala has seen him rack up suitors across Europe, including Los Blancos.

Icardi set the Turkish Super Lig alight with 12 goals and five assists this season, while his performances in the Champions League brought him the utmost attention.

He scored in the memorable comeback win against Manchester United and also scored against Bayern Munich, although the Turkish giants exited from the group stage.

The former Paris Saint-Germain star would compete with Joselu for a regular place in the starting eleven.

Los Blancos opted against signing an elite centre-forward in 2023 following Karim Benzema’s exit, bringing in Joselu as his replacement.

However, Madrid seamlessly moved on from the legendary French striker, thanks to Jude Bellingham, who has taken the goalscoring onus with an eye-catching tally of 17 goals and five assists across all competitions this season.

The English midfielder’s dream run limited Joselu’s chances, although the Spaniard has proven his worth with every opportunity, netting eight goals and two assists.

Vinicius Junior’s injury may have prompted Madrid to pursue Icardi to reinforce the attack, even though he has a completely different profile and is more of a penalty box striker.

Brazilian teenage prodigy Endrick Felipe, who will move to the Santiago Bernabeu next summer, attended the La Liga game against Villarreal over the weekend and also met the players and manager Carlo Ancelotti in the dressing room.