Zaniolo convinces Galatasaray as Sunderland and Villarreal target Italian

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Sam Wilson | Last updated Jul 23, 2025 1:43 PM ET

Nicolo Zaniolo is back at Galatasaray and despite convincing the Turkish club of his worth during pre-season, reports from Italy claim that a number of clubs are interested in signing the Italian.

According to what has been reported by TuttoMercatoWeb , Villarreal, Real Oviedo, Sunderland and PSV have all registered an interest in Zaniolo, as well as unnamed clubs in Italy.

For the meantime, the Italian will stay in Turkey, working hard alongside his Galatasaray teammates ahead of the new season, regardless of whether or not a move away from the club is on the cards.

Disappointing loan spells for Zaniolo signal need for fresh start

Zaniolo signed for Galatasaray from Roma in a Turkish transfer record €15 million (excluding bonuses) in the 2022-23 season. He started his career strongly in Turkey, scoring five goals in his first ten league matches for the club.

However, just one game into the following season, Zaniolo was loaned out to Premier League side Aston Villa, where he would go on to make 25 league appearances but failing to set the league alight.

The 2024-25 season saw the Italian spend half the season with Atalanta and half with Fiorentina, where he struggled to make an impact at either club.

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

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