Zalewski agent: ‘Player has right to decide’ on Galatasaray transfer | OneFootball

Nicola Zalewski was frozen out of the Roma squad for refusing a transfer to Galatasaray, but his agent released a statement insisting a ‘player has an inalienable right to decide’ his career moves.

The full-back had initially been open to the switch to the Turkish league this week, after the deadline had already passed for the big European divisions.

However, when Roma worked out a fee worth a reported €15m, the Poland international backed out, with suggestions he had demanded a €15m release clause and huge salary increase.

As a result, the club has frozen Zalewski out of the squad and coach Daniele De Rossi confessed it was not his decision, but one made higher up by Roma chiefs.

Now Zalewski’s agents have broken their silence, with a statement to news agency ANSA from GP Soccer and Management agency.

Statement from Zalewski agency

“Regarding the sporting destiny of Nicola Zalewski, newspapers and sports sites over the last few days published very creative reconstructions that do not represent reality.

“Following the initial opening that Zalewski had given to the Galatasaray solution, the player later decided to decline the offer from the Turkish club, maintaining his position despite the continual flattering approaches.

“The player still today expresses the utmost gratitude for the interest shown and the efforts made by Galatasaray right to the last moments.

“In any case, a player has an inalienable right to decide whether transfers are finalised or not regarding his professional activities, without being conditioned, let alone forced (including by his current club to extend a contract).

“We leave the media freedom to evaluate the methods and timing that affected these negotiations, but it is not possible for us to silently accept creative reconstructions. With strength and calm, we invite those who want to inform with accuracy to gather all the elements of a situation before telling it, therefore avoiding unnecessary speculation that damages the player.”

Zalewski is a product of the Roma youth academy and his contract is due to expire in June 2025, so he could now leave as a free agent next summer.

This is why the club was so eager to push him towards Galatasaray, as well as the fact his sale would be pure profit for the coffers.