Now that Poland have been eliminated from Euro-2016, Udinese winger and known Liverpool target Piotr Zielinski is free to work out his future. With rival bids from both the Reds and Napoli lodged for his services, the Italian club are playing hardball with the talented 22-year old having turned down the offer from the Anfield outfit — his preferred destination — while accepting an almost identical one from their Serie A rivals.
The Partenopei have apparently attempted to sweeten the pot by promising to send up and coming Colombian fullback Camilo Zuniga to the Dacia Arena on a season long loan, but for the time being, that hasn’t swayed the deal in their favour. With Liverpool’s extensive pre-season program set to start on Friday when they square off with Merseyside neighbors Tranmere Rovers, the clock is ticking on the deal — though Udinese’s sporting director believes it’s only a matter of time before the Polish star makes up his mind.
“I think there is an agreement in principle with the clubs, but the lad going to the Euros froze the deal for the moment,” Nero Bonato told Italian media outlet Radio Marte when asked where the 22-year old would be plying his trade next year. “We are in a waiting period. Zielinski will choose soon, he wanted time to focus solely on the European Championships,” he continued, before adding, “The priority now goes to a decision on his future.”
That, of course, makes it sound like the decision is solely in his hands, but as we all know that might not be the case. Set to leave for holiday now that his international commitments are over, there’s expected to be some sort of announcement regarding his future soon, but with reports emerging that Udinese are now trying to offer him a new deal in a final bid to get him to stay, the waters have been further muddied.
It’s going to be a long summer…
