Nicolò Zaniolo’s stint at Aston Villa may not culminate in a permanent move as the English club hesitate to trigger the buyout option at the end of the season. With Serie A clubs monitoring the situation closely, the Italian winger’s future hangs in the balance, according to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Despite initial optimism surrounding Zaniolo’s loan to Aston Villa, the 23-year-old has struggled to meet expectations, finding the net only twice in 26 appearances. His playing time has been sporadic, clocking in less than 1000 total minutes on the pitch. Notably, Zaniolo’s last start dates back to December 3rd, and he has seen limited game time in recent months.
As a result of his inconsistent performances, Aston Villa seems reluctant to commit to the €22.5 million purchase clause included in the loan deal, which was originally valued at €5 million. The agreement also entails €15.5 million in potential bonuses, further complicating the financial aspect of Zaniolo’s potential permanent move.
Given his irregular role at Aston Villa, the club is not obligated to redeem him, leaving Zaniolo’s future uncertain. Roma, his parent club, remains entitled to €10 million in add-ons and 20 percent of the difference between his departure fee and Galatasaray’s initial payment of €16.5 million, considering he has a release clause of €35 million in his contract.
Should Zaniolo return to Galatasaray, Serie A giants such as Juventus, Milan, and Fiorentina are reportedly interested in acquiring his services. Potential negotiations could involve loan deals or player swaps to entice the Turkish club, providing Zaniolo with a pathway back to Italian football.
