Salary standoff endangers Udinese’s €5 million Zaniolo gamble

€5 million was the fee Udinese paid to make midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo’s loan from Galatasaray permanent, but a salary dispute now threatens the Italian club’s investment. The disagreement centres on a €1.2 million annual wage that Zaniolo claims no longer reflects his market value, leaving him out of pre‑season training.

Udinese Calcio secured Zaniolo on loan for the 2025‑26 season with an option to buy that the Bianconeri exercised, showing confidence in his abilities. The permanent deal was completed after the loan spell, converting the temporary arrangement into a full signing.

The €5 million fee includes a 50 % sell‑on clause retained by Galatasaray, adding a strategic financial element to the transfer. This clause ensures the Turkish club will benefit from any future sale of the midfielder.

According to his agent, Zaniolo accepted a reduced salary of €1.2 million per year last summer to finalise the move before the transfer window closed. That concession was intended to smooth the deal for Udinese.

The player now argues that the €1.2 million terms no longer match his perceived value after earning around €3 million net at Galatasaray. A verbal agreement for €1.8 million was mentioned, but Corriere and Sport report the deal remains unfinalised.

Reports on Sunday confirmed the lingering salary dispute has kept Zaniolo out of training, although he still holds a medical certificate. The stalemate continues as negotiations drag on.

On April 11 in Milan, Italy, Zaniolo was pressured by Davide Bartesaghi of AC Milan during a Serie A clash at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium. The moment was captured by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images, highlighting his visibility despite the training absence.

The unresolved terms leave Zaniolo open to potential moves elsewhere, contrasting Udinese’s €5 million investment with his disappointment. For Udinese, the dispute threatens the return on their gamble and could affect squad planning for the upcoming season, prompting pressure on both sides to reach an agreement before pre‑season preparations intensify.