Udinese has made its move. The Italian club activated a purchase clause to sign Nicolò Zaniolo on a permanent basis from Galatasaray, ending what turned out to be a productive loan spell and committing to the 26-year-old attacking midfielder for the long haul.
The deal is worth €5 million to Galatasaray, but it comes with a significant string attached. The Turkish club retains a 50% sell-on clause, meaning if Zaniolo eventually moves on from Udinese, Galatasaray gets half of whatever profit the Italian side makes on the sale.
Why Udinese picked the cheaper door
When Zaniolo joined Udinese on loan back on September 1, 2025, two purchase options were baked into the agreement.
Option A: pay €5 million and accept a 50% sell-on clause that ties Galatasaray to any future upside. Option B: pay €10 million and walk away with full, unencumbered ownership of the player’s rights.
