Udinese midfielder Lazar Samardzic, a prominent figure in the Serie A transfer market during the summer of 2023, has disclosed the nearness of his potential transfers to Inter, Napoli, and Juventus, prior to ultimately remaining with Udinese eight months ago.
Samardzic had appeared poised to join Inter during the summer, having arrived in Milan for medical examinations and contract formalities. Additionally, there were indications that current Bologna midfielder Giovanni Fabbian would be included as part of the transfer deal.
Subsequently, complications arose, leading the then-21-year-old Samardzic to return to Udinese. Fabbian was subsequently acquired by Thiago Motta at Bologna.
In a recent interview with La Repubblica, Samardzic disclosed the proximity of his prospective move to Inter, stating, “I was very close,” although he noted that “something happened, nothing too serious,” as reported by TMW.
Moreover, interest had been expressed by both Napoli, the reigning Serie A champions, and Juventus, with the latter being overseen in the transfer market by former Napoli director Cristiano Giuntoli as of last summer.
Regarding his potential transfer to Napoli, Samardzic clarified that he “was not as close as people were saying.”
Furthermore, he refuted suggestions of his proximity to joining Juventus, asserting, “I didn’t know anything about it.”