Aston Villa set to return Zaniolo to Galatasaray in summer

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ByApollo Heyes

Feb 2, 2024 16:20

Nicolo Zaniolo has not managed to make a strong enough impression at Aston Villa and will reportedly return to Galatasaray in the summer.

The 24-year-old Italian forward joined Unai Emery’s side last August on a €5m loan deal with a €27m conditional obligation to buy clause attached and so far, he’s failed to repay that investment, managing just two goals and no assists in 985 minutes of action across 25 games.

Zaniolo did find more success in Turkey during his half-season with Galatasaray last term, scoring five goals and providing an assist in 12 games. He is contracted to the Super Lig side to June 2027, having arrived from Roma 12 months ago.

As reported by The Athletic, Aston Villa do not intend to keep Zaniolo beyond this season and will return him to Galatasaray in the summer, leaving the forward’s future shrouded in doubt.

The 24-year-old is hoping to join Luciano Spalletti’s Italy squad for the coming European Championship in Germany, so he’ll be looking to impress in the second half of this season.