The Clock is Ticking for Udinese
Udinese are locked in frantic negotiations as the clock ticks down to a midnight deadline to make Nicolò Zaniolo's loan move permanent. The Galatasaray midfielder has been a revelation at the Dacia Arena this season, and the Friulani are desperate to exercise their purchase option before the agreement expires. Reports from Italy indicate that the €18 million buy-out clause must be triggered by the end of the day, but the stumbling block remains the player's personal terms.
With the clock audibly ticking in the background, Udinese's transfer chief Gino Pozzo is leading a series of last-ditch calls with the player's representatives. Sources close to the club suggest that the basic framework of the deal is in place, but the finer details of the wage packet—believed to be in the region of €2.5 million net per season—still require ironing out. Failure to finalize the deal would see Zaniolo return to Istanbul, a scenario the club hierarchy is keen to avoid.
Wage Demands Pose Hurdle
The 26-year-old's resurgence in Serie A has inevitably led to other suitors sniffing around, but Udinese hold the exclusive right to sign him permanently until the deadline. However, matching Zaniolo's salary expectations has proven tricky. The player, who joined Roma as a teenager and later moved to Galatasaray, is understood to be seeking a contract that reflects his status as a regular Italy international.
“We are working tirelessly to find a solution that satisfies all parties,” a club insider told Football Italia. “Nicolò has made it clear he wants to stay, but we must respect our financial parameters while recognizing his value.”
Reports suggest that performance-related bonuses could unlock the impasse. A compromise package that includes a lower base salary but lucrative add-ons—tied to appearances, goals, and European qualification—is being tabled. Udinese are acutely aware that allowing the deadline to pass would not only lose them a key asset but also hand a free run to potential competitors in the transfer market.
Zaniolo's Revival Under Runjaic
Zaniolo's loan spell has been a resounding success. After a difficult spell at Aston Villa and an injury-hit stint in Turkey, the attacking midfielder has rediscovered his best form in Udine. Operating as a No. 10 in Udinese's 3-5-2 system under coach Kosta Runjaić, he has contributed 9 goals and 6 assists in 32 league appearances, prompting recall to the Italy squad for the World Cup qualifiers.
His physicality, driving runs, and eye for goal have added a new dimension to Le Zebrette's attack, and fans have taken to him with a passion. Losing him now would be a massive blow to the club's project, which has seen them climb into the top half of Serie A. Runjaić has publicly urged the board to push the deal over the line, calling Zaniolo “irreplaceable” in his tactical set-up.
Key Takeaways
- Udinese face a midnight deadline to exercise the €18 million purchase option for Nicolò Zaniolo from Galatasaray.
- Wage negotiations remain the primary obstacle, with the player seeking a package worth around €2.5 million net per season.
- Zaniolo has enjoyed a stellar loan spell, scoring 9 goals and providing 6 assists, making him a fan favorite and critical to the team's tactics.
- Failure to secure the permanent deal would see the Italy international return to Turkey, potentially opening the door for other clubs to swoop in.
- Both parties are optimistic a compromise can be reached, with performance-related bonuses likely to bridge the gap.
Quick Facts:
Player: Nicolò Zaniolo
Parent Club: Galatasaray
Loan Club: Udinese
Purchase Clause: €18 million
2025-26 Loan Stats: 32 apps, 9 goals, 6 assists
Contract Deadline: Midnight, June 16, 2026
