Zaniolo RomaGetty

Roma's Nicolo Zaniolo completes €16.5m Galatasaray transfer after Jose Mourinho's public criticism

  • Zaniolo moves to Turkey
  • Signs a deal until 2027 with Galatasaray
  • Mourinho blasted the player publicly

WHAT HAPPENED? The Italian midfielder has penned a deal with the Turkish club having moved from Roma in a deal that could end up being worth €16.5 million as well as add-ons of up to €13m, according to Fabrizio Romano. Zaniolo has signed a four-year contract which will keep him on Galatasaray's books until 2027, and also includes a €35m release clause.

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Roma boss Mourinho publicly revealed Zaniolo's desire to leave the club in January, as he was linked with Premier League clubs Tottenham and Bournemouth. The Portuguese manager vented his frustration by saying "unfortunately, Zaniolo seems to be staying" before facing Napoli in Serie A, and he also declared that he is only worried about "players who want to do well for this club".

AND WHAT'S MORE: The Turkish window has been extended until February 18 following the devastating earthquake in the country. The move suits both parties as the Italian club had reportedly even threatened to freeze the player out of the team if he continued at Stadio Olimpico.

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IN THREE PHOTOS:

Nicolo Zaniolo Roma August 22 2022Getty Images

Nicolo Zaniolo RomaGetty

WHAT NEXT FOR ZANIOLO & ROMA? The 23-year-old will hope to be available for Galatasaray's next Super Lig fixture against Gaziantep. Meanwhile, Roma will continue business as usual in Serie A with a trip to Lecce on Saturday.

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