Davis Urges Zaniolo to End Udinese Stand-Off as Rivals Circle

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Udinese striker Keinan Davis has publicly called on teammate Nicolò Zaniolo to end his contract stand-off and return to training. Zaniolo, signed perm...

90min.footballAI-assisted reporting

16 July 2026, 17:09 UTC2 min read

In short

Udinese striker Keinan Davis has publicly called on teammate Nicolò Zaniolo to end his contract stand-off and return to training. Zaniolo, signed permanently from Galatasaray after an impressive loan, has refused to countersign due to a dispute over bonus-related wages. He has stayed away from pre-season, attracting interest from Juventus, AC Milan, and Lazio. Davis, speaking at a kit launch, said the squad is strong but would be even stronger with Zaniolo, expressing hope for a quick return. The Serie A club faces a critical week as talks continue.

Keinan Davis has publicly urged Nicolò Zaniolo to resolve his contract dispute with Udinese and return to the squad, with the forward currently frozen out amid a stand-off over personal terms.

Davis Plea for Zaniolo

Speaking at the unveiling of Udinese's new home kit, Davis made clear the squad wants the Italy international back as soon as possible.

"Nico is a very strong player, obviously we'd all have wanted him with us now," Davis said. "We all love him, but the team is strong and many of last season's players are still here. I repeat, the team is strong, obviously with Nico it would be even stronger, and we hope to see him here soon."

Zaniolo contributed five goals and five assists in Serie A last season, earning a permanent move from Galatasaray after a successful loan. However, the deal has stalled.

Background to the Stand-off

Udinese exercised their option to buy the 27-year-old in June, but Zaniolo has yet to countersign the new contract. The dispute reportedly centers on the proportion of wages tied to performance-related bonuses. As a result, he has stayed away from pre-season training, with the club now considering disciplinary measures.

The situation has alerted a host of Serie A rivals. Juventus, AC Milan and Lazio are all monitoring the impasse, ready to pounce if the relationship between player and club breaks down completely.

What Next?

Davis' comments underline the dressing room's desire for a swift resolution, but the ball remains in Zaniolo's court. With the new Serie A season approaching, Udinese are eager to reintegrate their star manâ€”or cash in while his value is high.

As per Football Italia, the coming days could be decisive, with Zaniolo's entourage expected to meet club officials to break the deadlock.