Zaniolo’s Udinese future hinges on wage compromise as €9m buy option ready to trigger | OneFootball

Udinese are prepared to trigger the €9 million purchase option for Nicolò Zaniolo following an impressive season in Friuli, but wage negotiations represent the primary obstacle to making the deal permanent, with the Italian forward currently earning well above what the club are willing to offer long-term.

According to TuttoMercatoWeb, Udinese sporting director Gianluca Nani has already indicated his desire to retain Zaniolo alongside Keinan Davis, describing the pair as the foundation upon which the club wants to build next season.

The willingness to spend is there, but the salary gap is significant.

MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 11: Nicolo Zaniolo of Udinese Calcio is put under pressure by Davide Bartesaghi of AC Milan during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Udinese Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Zaniolo wage demands could force Udinese into compromise as Galatasaray option looms

Zaniolo is currently contracted to Galatasaray until June 2027 and earned in excess of €3 million per season in Turkey, a figure built on the back of his strong Roma years.

During his loan at Udinese last season his wages were over €1 million, already a notable commitment for the Friulian club.

The ideal outcome for Udinese would be to agree a figure of around €1.7 million per season across a four-year deal, a compromise that would give Zaniolo financial security and the club a manageable long-term asset should he maintain his current level of performance.

Should no agreement be reached, Zaniolo would return to Galatasaray, though the intention on both sides is to find common ground.