MX23RW : Wednesday, April 23 22:47:19| >> :120:4210:4210:

Real Madrid plotting surprise January move for Mauro Icardi?

Real Madrid plotting surprise January move for Mauro Icardi?
© Reuters
Galatasaray striker Mauro Icardi is reportedly attracting the attention of Real Madrid ahead of the January transfer window.

Real Madrid have been linked with a surprise move for Galatasaray striker Mauro Icardi in January.

Icardi has made a return to the forefront of the European stage due to his performances in the Champions League with Gala this season.

The 30-year-old scored a late winner in a 3-2 victory against Manchester United at Old Trafford in October, just minutes after missing a penalty.

While Icardi was only able to steer Galatasaray to third in the group, he has been in scintillating scoring form domestically, where the Turkish giants are fighting neck-and-neck with rivals Fenerbahce at the top.

Marca claims that Icardi's form, which has seen him score 18 goals already this season, has alerted Real Madrid, who want to sign him in January.

The report states that Icardi would come in and compete with Joselu for a place in the starting XI.

Real Madrid forward Joselu on September 27, 2023© Reuters

Joselu has come in for some criticism during his early career at Real, but the 33-year-old has still netted nine goals even though he has not been a regular in the side.

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti preferred a starting strikeforce of Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior at the start of the season, but an injury to the latter has broken up that partnership for the time being.

Vini Jr was ruled out for up to 10 weeks after picking up an injury on Brazil duty back in mid-November, meaning that he may not return until the Champions League resumes in February.

Despite winning five of the six games since Vini Jr's injury though, it appears Real that will enter the market for a new attacking option in January.

For the latter part of the 2010s, Icardi was one of most sought-after strikers in Europe during his fruitful days in an Inter Milan shirt.

Inter Milan forward Mauro Icardi pictured in December 2018© Reuters

A graduate through Barcelona's La Masia youth system, Icardi enjoyed six sensational seasons with Inter Milan, despite not winning any major honours with the Nerazzurri.

After moving from Sampdoria in 2013, Icardi scored 124 goals with Inter, before earning a move to Paris Saint-Germain.

Playing in the shadow of Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, and eventually of Argentine compatriot Lionel Messi saw Icardi's numbers drop slightly, and he was soon out of favour at Parc des Princes.

Icardi was then tempted into a move to Turkey by Galatasaray, where he has scored 40 goals in 52 appearances, including five in the Champions League.

It will be 13 years since he left Spain for Italy in January though, and making a return to Barca's bitter rivals will certainly make headlines should it transpire.

ID:531847:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4671:
Written by
Andrew Delaney

Click here for more stories about Mauro Icardi

Click here for more stories about Real Madrid

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Real Madrid's David Alaba celebrates their first goal on September 2, 2023
Read Next:
Real Madrid missing eight players for clash with Alaves
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona33244589325776
2Real Madrid33226566313572
3Atletico MadridAtletico32189553272663
4Athletic Bilbao331612550262460
5Villarreal321410855451052
6Real BetisBetis3214994540551
7Celta Vigo33137135049146
8Mallorca33128133138-744
9Real Sociedad33126153237-542
10Rayo Vallecano321011113539-441
11Osasuna3291493946-741
12Getafe33109143130139
13Espanyol32109133541-639
14Valencia33912123749-1239
15Sevilla32910133543-837
16AlavesAlaves33810153546-1134
17GironaGirona3297163951-1234
18Las PalmasLas Palmas3388173853-1532
19Leganes32611152948-1929
20Real ValladolidValladolid3244242376-5316


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!