Zaniolo and Udinese end salary stand-off with new contract to 2029 | OneFootball

Nicolò Zaniolo has put pen to paper on a new contract with Udinese this afternoon, holding him to the club until June 2029 with an option to extend, for an improved salary.

The player had abandoned pre-season training for over a week in the dispute over his wages, and had been expected back today, but was nowhere to be seen.

TURIN, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: Nicolo Zaniolo of Udinese Calcio celebrates a goal during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Udinese Calcio at on October 29, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

According to Sky Sport Italia, the final details were resolved today and he signed the new deal.

It runs to June 2029, but Udinese do have an option to extend for a further year.

Why Zaniolo contract was contentious

PARMA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 29: Nicolò Zaniolo of Udinese Calcio looks on during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and Udinese Calcio at Stadio Ennio Tardini on November 29, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Zaniolo arrived on transfer deadline day last summer from Galatasaray, on loan with an option to buy at the end of the season.

As the move was so rushed to get it over the line in time, they agreed to revisit the issue of his wages once the campaign had concluded.

That proved difficult, as they struggled to agree on personal terms, leading to the Italy international’s walk-out.

His current contract already runs to June 2029, with Galatasaray given a 50 per cent cut of the future sale fee.

It is reported the salary is now worth €2m per season, but the structure has changed dividing the fixed sum from the performance-related add-ons.

Zaniolo contributed six goals and as many assists in 34 competitive appearances for Udinese.