first the team, then the contract
Nicolò Zaniolo wants the renewal, Rome takes time. There is a Europe to pursue, no distractions are allowed. And if Europe will only be League, Conference or Champions, this matters little today. Enough stories, transversal messages, as little digested (and avoidable) to the posts of Vlahovic, Bonucci and Locatelli celebrating the victory of Empoli, or pissing off for technical exclusions (or so). Enough, we are moving towards diplomacy, to the pact, which involves men awaiting renewal and not only Zaniolo, but also Cristante and Veretout (on Mancini there is an agreement for the increase in remuneration and the waiting for renewal until to 2026): together until the end of the season, then the sums will be drawn and the roads will continue to travel together and, if the conditions are not there, they will divide. Mou it was clear with Zaniolo and with everyone.
HERO
For now Nicolò is a hero, with that transfigured face for the Maggiore slope and he is one of the most important players available to Mourinho and after Sunday’s match, the main odds. José knows when it is time to push on the accelerator or if it is time to pull the brake, as happened on Sunday, relegating him to the bench. Nick is about to experience yet another week of passion: on Saturday there is Atalanta (over 11 thousand tickets sold and over 2200 for the return of Conference with Vitesse), then Udinese (March 13 at 6 pm), then the derby (20 to 18) before the break. Atalanta is the only great serve from Roma so far. The only one to which Zaniolo scored one of his two league goals (the other against Empoli at Castellani). It is up to him to confirm himself and today to think that he can return to warm up the bench on Saturday is an unthinkable speech. Roma, and Mou knows it, needs Zaniolo, his tears, his lightness, even his excesses, often stopped by the club but just as often understood, given the age and character of the boy. Nick hasn’t already been sold to Juve: it’s a possibility, not even a new one.
PURCHASES AND FAIR PLAY
The Friedkins – basically – do not want to deprive themselves of their home jewels (and have to buy: we talk about Héctor Herrera, Casabella of Atletico Madrid, but watch out for the controls for financial fair play: Roma is one of the controlled clubs, but seen sanctions will arrive and the rules will be rewritten) and Nicolò is one of these, then the facts and situations lead you to think differently and in four months from now, who knows. If Zaniolo does not sign the renewal, it becomes a discounted sale. To Juve? Perhaps. And a how much? Here is another problem. If Nick earns 2.5 and doesn’t sign the renewal, he’s worth it; if he agrees for a higher fee, he will get another. “I cannot guarantee that Zaniolo will certainly be a Roma player next year,” Pinto said at the beginning of February, with the market closed. “His renewal?” We look at the team and not at the individuals ». Roma have taken their time and are convinced to keep his talent but there is a certain distance between the parties – inevitably – there is. Mou had cut the bull’s head: «At least until 2024 it will remain». Year 2024, expiry of his current contract: a difficult hypothesis to verify. Nobody in Trigoria wants another Donnarumma case. If Zaniolo leaves first, he will have to bring money. And many too.
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