MANUEL AKANJI DROPS HINT ABOUT FUTURE: INTER MILAN REMAINS TOP DESIRE
Manuel Akanji hopes to make his Inter loan permanent, stating he "would love to stay." The defender has settled in quickly, becoming a key part of their defence and helping them top the Serie A table.
Akanji Confirms Interest in Staying at Inter Forever - Photo Credit: Getty Images
According to Manuel Akanji, he has adapted to life at Inter rather well and intends to stay after this season.
The Swiss centre-back joined the Nerazzurri in the summer while on loan from Manchester City, and he has since established himself as a vital member of Cristian Chivu's defence.
He agreed to a loan with a buyout option that may become mandatory under specific circumstances, but this will not be necessary because the Nerazzurri are intent on signing him long-term regardless.
Using remarks from CalcioMercato, Akanji told Blick from Switzerland's training camp prior to their World Cup qualifying matches against Sweden and Kosovo:
"I feel fantastic. Organising things for the kids was the most difficult aspect of settling in, but we are now at ease. Although Italian football differs slightly from English football, I have adjusted rather well, and playing frequently helps. We are at the top of the standings, and we want to stay there. And the team gave me a warm welcome.
A permanent stay appears quite likely because Akanji's loan is slated to expire in June 2026 and includes a €15 million buyout obligation once specific requirements are fulfilled.
"I planned a farewell meal when I left Manchester City, and it was extremely great," he continued. Although I have not had a chance to bid farewell to every employee yet, I am not sure what will transpire come summertime. Right now, I would really like to remain at Inter.
DEAL IN DOUBT: JUVENTUS TO REVISIT DUSAN VLAHOVIC’S CONTRACT SITUATION SOON
Dusan Vlahovic and Juventus have a "pact" to continue together until the season's end, postponing contract talks. His long-term future depends on his performance and Juventus's Champions League qualification.
Vlahović Seek Clarity on Contract - Photo Credit: Getty Images
Although Dusan Vlahovic's future at Juventus is still up in the air, there is now some clarity regarding the near future after the striker and the team came to what new CEO Damien Comolli called a "pact" to stay together until the end of the current campaign.
Both parties decided to delay contract negotiations until next summer, when Juventus will have a better understanding of their chances of qualifying for the Champions League, according to Tuttosport, via IlBianconero.
It is hoped that Vlahovic will also have a better understanding of his market possibilities.
Contract negotiations come to a standstill as Vlahovic regains his form at Juventus.
With six Serie A goals, the Serbian forward has returned the club's faith and established himself as a consistent contributor to the Bianconeri attack. He withstood pressure to depart during the summer.
Negotiations for a new agreement are still challenging, though.
Juventus is hesitant to pay more than €8 million a season, as some Bianconeri cannot afford to keep paying Vlahovic what he now makes, as he is the highest-paid player in Serie A.
For the time being, Vlahovic's long-term prospects will be determined by his performances.
Aware of his increasing significance and leadership role in the team, the forward is calm and self-assured in Turin. He must, however, demonstrate his worth on the field between now and June to receive a new contract. Given the former Fiorentina player's past unreliability and injury history, club officials believe that such an investment is too risky.
HAPPY AT UDINESE, NICOLò ZANIOLO STILL HOLDS ITALY DREAM STRONG
Nicolò Zaniolo is "very happy" at Udinese, apologises to Roma fans for past celebrations, and dreams of an Italy World Cup call-up. The on-loan midfielder has scored 4 goals in 10 games this season.
Zaniolo Shares Thoughts On Udinese - Image Credit: ANSA
Nicolò Zaniolo is "quite pleased" in Udinese and shares his Italy World Cup dream, but he "understands" why Roma supporters are still upset.
At the Bluenergy Stadium, the 26-year-old has so far excelled this season, scoring four goals in ten games across Serie A and the Coppa Italia.
After loan stints with Aston Villa, Atalanta, and Fiorentina, he is now on loan from Galatasaray with a €10 million buyout option at the conclusion of the season.
"The way the season is going, I am really happy," Zaniolo said to Sky Sport Italia.
"After a strong first half, we were unlucky to lose our most recent game against Roma. We intend to carry on in this manner.
Roma supporters still have grudges toward Zaniolo.
The former Roma player received constant taunts and insults during the game at the Stadio Olimpico, primarily because of his previous visit and goal with Atalanta, but also because his raucous celebrations annoyed the supporters.
Given how we parted ways and the Atalanta celebration at the Olimpico, I can relate to them. We must go on, and I apologise to them one more time for that celebration. I believe Roma can compete to the end for the Scudetto since they have a very strong team.
After moving from Roma to Galatasaray in February 2023, Zaniolo's career halted. He hopes that Udinese will be the team that can eventually live up to those early aspirations.
"The admirers stop me in the street and exhibit their excitement, which makes me extremely happy here." Mr Runjaic has a friendly relationship with all of us, and I also get along well with the coach. Like a family, we are. Even though we use English more often than Italian, I can understand him rather well.
In spite of an injury crisis, coach Gennaro Gattuso did not call Zaniolo as Italy prepared for their final 2026 World Cup qualifiers before the playoffs.
"I did hope for a call; playing at the World Cup the next summer would be an absolute dream." I need to improve and demonstrate my abilities even more.
"I will just keep working since there is a lot of competition and the Nazionale has some excellent forwards. I am confident that this team has what it takes to make it to the World Cup, and we will succeed.