In a matter of weeks, Oumar Solet has become the talk of Italian football. The French defender, who joined Udinese as a free agent, has made an immediate impact since his debut on January 4th against Verona. His performances have not only solidified Udinese’s backline but have also caught the eye of several top clubs, including Napoli.
Gazzetta dello Sport report how Solet’s journey to becoming a standout player in Serie A has been swift and impressive. In just over a month, he has been named man of the match in three out of five appearances, showcasing his defensive prowess and versatility. His only setback came with a red card against Como, which forced him to miss the match against Roma. However, upon his return against Venezia, Solet reminded everyone of his quality with a spectacular run from defense, setting up Iker Bravo for a crucial goal in a 3-2 victory.
At 24 years old and standing at 1.92 meters, Solet brings a combination of youth, physical presence, and experience to Udinese’s defence. His time at Red Bull Salzburg from 2020 to 2024, which included Champions League appearances, has clearly prepared him for the challenges of Serie A.
Udinese’s scouting department deserves credit for identifying Solet’s potential. Even before his official debut, club insiders were confident they had secured a top-class defender. This foresight has been vindicated by Solet’s performances, which have quickly established him as one of the defensive revelations of the season.
Claudio Vagheggi, Solet’s agent who has close ties to Udinese owner Gino Pozzo, has hinted at growing interest from other clubs. Solet’s ability to dominate in the air, excel in one-on-one situations, and contribute to attacking plays with confident ball-carrying runs has made him an attractive prospect for teams looking to strengthen their defence.
