Nicolò Zaniolo has signed a new contract with Udinese that runs through June 2029, bringing an end to a tense stand-off over wages that saw the Italy international skip pre-season training for more than a week.
The 27-year-old attacking midfielder put pen to paper on Tuesday after the final details of the improved salary package were ironed out. Sky Sport Italia reports the deal is worth approximately €2 million per season, with the structure revised to balance a fixed base salary with performance-related add-ons. Udinese also hold an option to extend the agreement by a further year.
The renewal marks a sharp turnaround from the strained relationship that had threatened Zaniolo's future at the club. The former Roma and Galatasaray man had walked out of pre-season training earlier this month, unhappy with the terms initially on the table. His absence prompted speculation that he could be sold this summer, with several Serie A sides monitoring the situation.
Zaniolo arrived at Udinese on the final day of the summer 2025 transfer window, joining on loan from Galatasaray with an option to buy. The rushed nature of the deadline-day move meant that personal terms were left to be revisited at the end of the campaign — a conversation that proved far more difficult than anticipated.
Despite the off-field turbulence, Zaniolo delivered a solid debut season. He contributed six goals and six assists in 34 competitive appearances for the Friulani, demonstrating the creative quality that once made him one of Europe's most sought-after young talents before a series of serious injuries derailed his trajectory.
Galatasaray, who retain a 50 per cent sell-on clause in the deal, will benefit from any future transfer of the player.
In a statement released through the club, Zaniolo expressed his commitment to Udinese, saying his respect for the club and its fans had never been in doubt. "In recent days there has been a lot of talk about my renewal negotiations, often with many inaccuracies," he said. "But one thing is certain: my respect for Udinese and its fans has never been in question."
The resolution of the contract saga is a significant boost for Udinese coach, who can now count on one of his most important attacking weapons for the long term as the club aims to build on last season's mid-table finish.
Sources
- https://football-italia.net/zaniolo-udinese-end-salary-stand-off-contract/
- https://www.calciomercato.com/liste/zaniolo-rinnova-con-l-udinese-e-ufficiale-il-comunicato/bltb6cfd88defe84d9b
