Why Fiorentina are not obliged to buy Zaniolo from Galatasaray despite loan clause | OneFootball

Nicolo Zaniolo’s tenure with Fiorentina could already be coming to an end, as the mandatory buy clause in his loan deal from Galatasaray can mathematically no longer be triggered.

Zaniolo began the 2024-25 season on loan in Serie A with Atalanta, but that agreement was cut short midway through the season in order for him to join Fiorentina under Raffaele Palladino instead.

Why Fiorentina can not activate mandatory buy option for Zaniolo

Zaniolo is on loan in Tuscany until the end of the 2024-25 season. Fiorentina have an option to make the move permanent and also had a conditional obligation to buy linked to the number of appearances the 25-year-old made during his loan spell.

Nicolo’ Zaniolo of ACF Fiorentina in action during the Serie A match between Fiorentina and Como at Stadio Artemio Franchi on February 16, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

According to reports from Corriere dello Sport, Fiorentina would have been obliged to purchase Zaniolo permanently if he played in 60% of the team’s matches for a minimum of 30 minutes per game.

However, in order for him to reach that 60% mark, he would need to play for at least 30 minutes for another 10 matches. Fiorentina have a maximum of nine games remaining in 2024-25 between Serie A and the Conference League, which means that is now mathematically impossible.

Fiorentina still have options to negotiate with Galatasaray if they please. Reports last week suggested that the Viola could look to renegotiate a straight loan deal for the duration of the 2025-26 campaign, even if they are unlikely to sign him permanently.

However, as per Corriere dello Sport, Zaniolo has not convinced during his Fiorentina loan spell, which means that the club could potentially send him back to Galatasaray in the summer, where he is still under contract until the summer of 2027.