Nicolo Zaniolo set to join Galatasaray after Mourinho criticism

• Roma’s Nicolo Zaniolo agrees €20m Galatasaray transfer after Jose Mourinho’s public criticism.

According to reports, Nicolo Zaniolo is set to complete a permanent transfer from Roma to Galatasaray after receiving public criticism from Jose Mourinho.

The Italian midfielder has been penciled in for a medical with the Turkish club and will move from Roma in a deal that could end up being worth €20 million including add-ons, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Zaniolo is anticipated to agree to a four-and-a-half-year deal with Galatasaray that will keep him on the team’s books through 2027 and include a €35 million release clause.

Nicolò Zaniolo to Galatasaray, here we go. Permanent deal agreed, fee close to €20m with add-ons — contract will be valid until 2027. 🚨🟡🔴 #Galatasaray

Deal will include €35m release clause.

✈️ Zaniolo, set to fly to Istanbul today as expected. Medical tests scheduled. pic.twitter.com/apTQ9yUjUg

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 7, 2023

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”.

Since the Turkish window is still open till February 8, Zaniolo has been able to leave Roma. The decision benefits all sides because, according to reports, the Italian club had even threatened to exclude the player from the team if he kept playing at Stadio Olimpico.

The 23-year-old will hope to complete his medical and contract formalities as quickly as possible so that he is available for Galatasaray’s next Super Lig fixture against Gaziantep. Meanwhile, Roma will continue business as usual in Serie A with a trip to Leece on Saturday.