Zaniolo: ‘Udinese talks for over a month, they showed interest I needed’ | OneFootball

Nicolò Zaniolo reveals why he decided to leave Galatasaray for Udinese, assuring that ‘it has been going on for over a month’ and they ‘showed the kind of interest I needed right now.’

The Italy international only deposited the contract with minutes to spare on deadline day, rushing against time to complete the medical tests and sign the paperwork before the transfer session came to a close in Italy.

However, he insisted to Sky Sport Italia that it was certainly not a last-minute idea to come to the Stadio Friuli.

“It has been a long week, let alone a long day,” Zaniolo told Sky Sport Italia.

“I am happy to be playing for a club full of history, and with lads who want to have a great season. I chose Udinese because this has been going on for over a month, and the director, the coach and club all showed the kind of interest that I needed right now at this moment of my career. They made me feel energetic and enthusiastic.”

How Zaniolo came to Udinese from Galatasaray

VERONA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 23: Nicolo Zaniolo of Fiorentina reacts during the Serie A match between Verona and Fiorentina at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on February 23, 2025 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

It is a one-season loan at a fee of €2.5m, as confirmed by Galatasaray in a formal statement.

According to Sky Sport Italia, there are also two possible options to make it permanent at the end of the season.

The first would be worth €5m, but leaving a 50 per cent sell-on clause to Galatasaray, whereas Udinese could pay the full €10m to own him outright.

Zaniolo was left out of the Italy squad called by coach Gennaro Gattuso for the World Cup qualifiers against Estonia and Israel.

“Going to the World Cup is the dream of any player and something we all desire. Obviously, I need to earn my place in the league, with training too. I hope to help Udinese do better than last season, then if the call comes from the Nazionale, that’s even better,” he concluded.

HARRISON, NEW JERSEY – MARCH 24: Nicolo Zaniolo of Italy stands before the first half of the Ecuador v Italy – International Friendly at Red Bull Arena on March 24, 2024 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)

Udinese director Gianluca Nani also commented on TV12 on how the deal was done with Galatasaray.

“This was an opportunity that presented itself and we carried on the negotiations. Zaniolo is not a usual profile for Udinese, but we were lacking that kind of quality to unite the attack with midfield.

“We finally got the deal done with six minutes to spare before the deadline. It was difficult and also amusing, especially as on the final day we signed both Zanoli and Zaniolo.

“This is a loan with option to buy, which depending on certain events can change some factors.”