Football Italia
·2 August 2024
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·2 August 2024
Udinese are investing in promising players, reportedly on the verge for Royal Antwerp midfielder Jurgen Ekkelenkamp, Lech Poznan’s Jesper Karlstrom and Goncalo Esteves from Sporting CP.
The Friulani barely managed to avoid relegation at the end of last season and are determined not to fall into the same situation this time around.
They are completely revamping the squad under new coach Kosta Runjaic and using their extensive scouting network to find fresh talent.
Multiple sources in Italy and the Netherlands note that there are advanced talks to sign versatile 24-year-old Dutch midfielder Ekkelenkamp.
He is a product of the famous Ajax youth academy, moving on to Hertha Berlin, then Royal Antwerp for €5m in the summer of 2022.
Polish reporter Sebastian Staszewski points to an imminent deal worth close to €3m for Lech Poznan midfielder Karlstrom, a specific request made by coach Runjaic.
He turned 29 in June and has 13 senior caps for Sweden under his belt.
Meanwhile, Udinese have already confirmed the arrival of 20-year-old right-back Goncalo Esteves from Sporting CP.
The Portuguese talent had spent the last six months on loan at AZ Alkmaar.