Key Takeaways:
- Udinese completed the loan signing of Nicolò Zaniolo from Galatasaray in time for Serie A registration
- Idrissa Gueye joined from Metz in a deal valued at 10 million euros, featuring a loan with mandatory purchase clause
- Gueye, who is set to turn 19 later this month, delivered five goals and one assist in 23 appearances for Metz
Transfer Window Drama: Udinese’s Double Capture
Udinese have orchestrated an impressive end to the summer transfer window by confirming the arrivals of Nicolò Zaniolo and Idrissa Gueye. Zaniolo arrives on loan from Turkish outfit Galatasaray, with the Friulani ensuring that all administrative processes were completed before the closure of the window, allowing the Italian midfielder to be registered for the new Serie A campaign.
Meanwhile, the Bianconeri have also secured the services of striker Idrissa Gueye, who joins from French Ligue 1 side Metz. According to SportingPedia sources, Gueye’s move is structured as a loan featuring a mandatory purchase clause, depending on specified conditions, with a total value between 8 and 10 million euros. Udinese announced an agreement at a value of 10 million euros.
Nicolò Zaniolo joins @Udinese_1896! ✍️ pic.twitter.com/cAWRZogv3O
— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) September 1, 2025
Zaniolo’s Loan Structure and Buy Options
| Player | Loan Fee (€) | Purchase Option 1 | Purchase Option 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nicolò Zaniolo | 2.5 million | 5 million (Galatasaray keep 50% of future transfer) | 10 million (Udinese gain full rights) |
Under the terms of the deal with Galatasaray, Udinese have paid a loan fee of 2.5 million euros for Zaniolo. There are two distinct options to make his move permanent at the season’s end: a 5 million euro purchase that would see Galatasaray retain 50 per cent of any future sale, or a 10 million euro option granting Udinese full ownership of his rights.
Idrissa Gueye: Young Talent from Metz Joins the Bianconeri
Parallel to the Zaniolo deal, Udinese moved swiftly to formalise the acquisition of Idrissa Gueye. The forward had only been at Metz since January, but made an immediate impact with five goals and one assist across 23 matches. Gueye, set to celebrate his 19th birthday later this month, completed the final paperwork with the Udinese just minutes before the transfer window shut.
Business Completed Just in Time
Both transfers were successfully finalised in the closing moments of the window, marking a significant statement of intent from Udinese as they look to bolster their squad with homegrown and international talent ahead of the Serie A season.
