Official: Zaniolo signs for Galatasaray

Galatasaray have officially announced the arrival of Nicolo Zaniolo on a definitive transfer from Roma.

The 23-year-old Italian forward grew unhappy in the Italian capital this season and tried to force through a move away from the club in the January transfer window, keen to join Milan.

The Rossoneri failed to agree a deal with Roma and Zaniolo initially rejected a move to Bournemouth before changing his mind, but by then the Cherries have moved onto other targets. The situation left the 23-year-old as a spare part in Rome and it became clear that his time with the club was drawing to a close.

As seen on the Turkish FA’s website, Zaniolo has officially joined Galatasaray on a four-and-a-half-year deal, reported to be worth around €3.5m net per season plus add-ons.

His contract also contains a release clause, set at around €35m, and Roma have a future resale clause set at 15%, which would earn them €5.25m should the release clause be triggered.

Galatasaray will pay Roma €16.5m plus €13m in add-ons, half of which are easy to achieve and some that are more difficult, reports suggest.

Roma kept their official statement brief, saying: “AS Roma can confirm that an agreement has been reached with Galatasaray for Nicolo Zaniolo. The forward has completed a move to the Turkish club on a permanent basis.

“Zaniolo joined the Giallorossi in the summer of 2018, going on to make 128 appearances for the club in all competitions – scoring 24 goals.”