Former Turkish international and football pundit Serhat Akın has cautioned Galatasaray star Mauro Icardi to step up his performance levels, saying the Argentine risks losing the affection of fans if he fails to match Victor Osimhen’s growing influence at the club.
Speaking to Habersarikirmizi, Akın said Osimhen’s explosive form and work rate have set a new benchmark for Galatasaray forwards, urging Icardi to “get his act together quickly” before the supporters turn against him.
“There’s a game between Osimhen and Icardi. These two games are very different,” Akın said.
“Osimhen is a fantastic centre-forward. He takes things to a whole new level. If Icardi doesn’t get his act together quickly, if this situation drags on, I think this love will end — like all loves.”
Akın, who enjoyed a successful stint in Turkish football, noted that while Icardi remains one of the most admired figures among Galatasaray fans and young supporters in Türkiye, that admiration could fade if his form continues to dip.
“Galatasaray fans love him, and the kids in Türkiye love him, but this love could end too,” Akın warned. “He needs to get his act together quickly because Osimhen has set the bar very high.”
Both Icardi and Osimhen have enjoyed bright spells this season, but the Nigerian’s energy, consistency, and leadership appear to have won over fans and critics alike — a standard Akın believes Icardi must now rise to meet.
