Popular Turkish football expert Bülent Timurlenk has downplayed insinuations of a growing rivalry between Galatasaray strikers Victor Osimhen and Mauro Icardi, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The talks date back to the summer of 2024, when Osimhen joined Galatasaray on loan, initially forming a strike partnership with Icardi before the Argentine suffered an ACL injury that disrupted their collaboration.
Icardi returned from injury before the end of last season but could only manage four goals in seven league games, while Osimhen scored an impressive 26 goals in 30 appearances.
The Argentine has since re-established himself in the team this season, currently leading Galatasaray’s charge for the Super Lig title with 10 goals in 20 games, while Osimhen has scored nine goals in 15 appearances.
While the duo have combined for 70 goals across all competitions over the past two seasons — Osimhen (52) and Icardi (18) — talk of a feud between the strikers continues to circulate around the club.
“Since Osimhen arrived, he’s shown respect and a proper demeanor toward Icardi,” Timurlenk said while dismissing the claims after their recent win over Rizespor.
“There’s a pass from Icardi on the wing to Osimhen — maybe it didn’t quite reach him — but there was applause for it. That’s why speculations about him being uncomfortable with Icardi or the crowd’s affection for him don’t hold water. Quite the opposite picture, in fact. Like Osimhen’s reaction to Icardi’s shot that ricocheted off the post — he’s a guy who gets excited for him, who loves him.”
Osimhen has also previously dismissed the claims, stressing that their partnership would strike fear into opposing defences.
“When we play together, no one can stand against us. It’s exciting to play with Icardi. He almost gave me an assist, and he’s a great player.
“Playing with him is extraordinary, and I think no defence will be able to stop us when we’re on the pitch together,” Osimhen said.
Galatasaray lead the Super Lig table by three points ahead of their closest rivals, Fenerbahçe, and they will hope to extend that lead this weekend when they host Eyüpspor, while Fenerbahçe travel to face third-placed Trabzonspor.
