Nicolò Zaniolo joined Udinese this summer on a loan deal from Turkish Super Lig club Galatasaray. The 26-year-old attacking midfielder signed a season-long loan with the Friulani for €2.5 million, which includes two distinct buy options at the end of the current season.
Under the first option, Udinese can secure his permanent transfer for €5 million, with Galatasaray retaining a 50% sell-on clause for any future transfer. Alternatively, the Serie A club has the option to acquire him outright for a sum of €10 million.
Why Zaniolo Chose Udinese
Speaking to Sky Sport, Zaniolo shed light on his decision to move to Udinese:
“I`m happy; I have very positive feelings. The staff here are well-prepared, and Runjaic is an excellent coach. Udinese truly desired my presence, and I equally wanted to join Udinese. I`m eager to get started. My choice to come here was driven by the strong interest I felt from the club. At this stage of my career, it`s crucial for me to feel valued, and I believe we can achieve great things this year.”
The former Roma talent was once considered a prodigious prospect, but his career has somewhat stagnated since his initial breakthrough. A series of injuries and off-field controversies have undoubtedly hampered his progress. However, he is now focused on revitalizing his career at Udinese.
“I feel I have changed and matured,” he stated. “My goal is to find happiness and rediscover the joy of playing football.”
Finally, the Italian international concluded by expressing that a call-up to the national team would be “a dream,” but he acknowledges, “I need to perform well here and demonstrate the player I truly am.”
