Nicolò Zaniolo has signed a new contract with Udinese, ending a period of uncertainty surrounding his future at the club, Udinese Calcio confirmed on Tuesday. The agreement will see the Italy international remain with the Serie A side until June 30, 2029, with an option for a further season. The renewal comes after a protracted dispute over the terms of his existing deal, which was signed upon his permanent transfer from Galatasaray last month.
Zaniolo initially failed to report for the start of Udinese’s pre-season training, submitting a medical certificate while publicly expressing his dissatisfaction with the financial terms of his current contract. He had joined Udinese on loan from Galatasaray in January, with the move becoming permanent in June, but a renegotiation of his contract had not taken place until now. Reports in Italy indicated talks were tense, with a potential departure initially considered.
The club released a statement confirming the agreement: “Udinese Calcio announces that it has signed a new contract with Nicolò Zaniolo. The signed agreement is valid until June 30, 2029, with an option for a further sporting season. The club and Nicolò are pleased to continue their journey together, confirming their mutual ambitions and strengthening the common desire to achieve new and shared satisfaction.”
Zaniolo will earn €1.8 million per year under the terms of the new contract and will immediately join up with the squad at their training camp in Lienz, Austria. The 24-year-old previously progressed through the Inter Milan youth system before establishing himself as a key player for Roma, where he won the UEFA Europa Conference League in 2022. A serious anterior cruciate ligament injury hampered his progress at Roma, leading to his move to Galatasaray and ultimately Udinese.
This resolution allows Udinese to retain a talented attacking player as they prepare for the upcoming Serie A season, while Zaniolo secures a longer-term deal with improved financial terms. The agreement signifies a commitment from both parties to build for the future and potentially challenge for European qualification.
