Done Deal: Witsel ready to join Udinese as free agent | OneFootball

Reports in Belgium claim Axel Witsel has agreed to join Udinese as a free agent, on a one-year contract with option for a second, while Lautaro Giannetti is heading to Turkey.

Belgian transfer pundit Sacha Tavolieri had already reported over the last few days that the Friulani were the hot favourites to secure Witsel.

MADRID, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 08: Axel Witsel of Atletico de Madrid looks on during the warm-up prior to the LaLiga match between Real Madrid CF and Atletico de Madrid at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on February 08, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Now he claims the negotiations over personal terms have reached a successful conclusion and the midfielder will put pen to paper following the standard medical tests.

This is going to be a one-year contract with an option to extend for another season.

Udinese bring in Witsel, sell Giannetti

UDINE, ITALY – AUGUST 24: Lautaro Giannetti of Udinese during the Serie A match between Udinese and SS Lazio at Stadio Friuli on August 24, 2024 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)

Witsel is a free agent after his deal with Atletico Madrid was allowed to run down and he feels that he can get sufficient regular playing time in Serie A to stay in contention for the Belgium 2026 World Cup squad.

Meanwhile, there is some confusion over the future of Udinese defender Giannetti.

Everyone seems to agree he is heading to the Turkish Super Lig, but the precise destination is not entirely clear.

Reports in Argentina point him towards Trabzonspor, while Sky Sport Italia say his next club will be Antalyaspor.