Udinese continue to say that Lazar Samardzic isn’t for sale despite the interest coming from Juventus and especially Napoli considering Elijf Elmas’ upcoming departure. Their director Federico Balzaretti doubled down on their position before the latest game to DAZN (via Mediaset).
“Nothing has changed. He has to work better all the time. He’s important to us. I hope that being left out of the XI against Sassuolo further motivated him. He always trains well and is focused on the present, which will determine his future. We need his qualities. Our stance about his departure is the same.”
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Udinese could still be open for business in January, but Napoli or Juventus would need to lodge a rich offer to sign Samardzic. The Friulani would be more than happy to keep him.
The Azzurri president Aurelio De Laurentiis stated they could actually sign two midfielders. They tested the waters for Boubakary Soumaré, but Sevilla don’t want to sell. Al-Nassr’s Seko Fofana and Tottenham’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg are also on their radar.
Our Take on Samardzic, Napoli, and Juventus
He’d be a strong fit for either team, which could use his talent and afford to bring him along slowly, as he wouldn’t be a day-one starter. He still has some consistency issues. Considering the emergence of Martin Payero and Oier Zarraga looking okay in recent matches, plus the rock-solid Walace, Sandi Lovric, and Roberto Pereyra, Udinese should strike while the iron is hot to avoid risks.
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