Gianluca Nani, Udinese’s Group Technical Director, recently spoke to Sky Sport during their “Special Transfer Market” program, addressing various topics including the potential transfer of Lazar Samardzic to AC Milan.
Regarding Samardzic, Nani stated, “Samardzic is a strong player, and I would be surprised if he wasn’t sought after. He’s an important player for us, and I’d like those interested in him to consider him as such. If someone who wants him makes a significant and appropriate offer for the player, we would sit down to discuss it. It’s possible that it could happen in the transfer market, but we’re not the ones proposing it.”
Nani also touched on the previous failed transfer to Inter, saying, “When the deal with Inter fell through, he returned to Udine and, being the great professional he is, he reintegrated into his reality, playing, performing, and completing a good season.”
The director discussed other aspects of Udinese’s transfer strategy as well. Regarding new coach Kosta Runjaic, Nani explained, “We scout both coaches and players. When we find something interesting, we start following the coach in question. We began to know him by watching some Europa League matches. When the opportunity arose, we decided to focus on him to create an element of discontinuity from the past.”
On the topic of Simone Pafundi, Nani clarified, “Since Lausanne didn’t exercise their option to buy by a certain date, the buyout clause increased, becoming very high. If you sell a player for certain figures, you’ve achieved what you thought. As of today, however, he hasn’t been bought out, so he’s still an Udinese player. Let’s not forget that Lausanne is part of a group that belongs to Manchester United.”
Nani also addressed rumors about Alexis Sanchez, stating, “I’ve been answering this question for a long time, and I think it’s right not to create false expectations. He left his heart in Udine. He always did very well. Until now, there hasn’t been an opportunity. I don’t exclude that there could be in the future. I don’t want to create expectations that then don’t materialize. We never rule anything out, but for now, nothing is happening.”
Finally, Nani confirmed that Udinese will be replacing departing players Roberto Pereyra and Walace, saying, “We will replace Pereyra and Walace. They are two players who have left and we will replace them shortly. I can’t name names because they’re not finalized, but they are players who fit into the project and the type of game that the coach wants to implement.”
