Udinese stalls Simone Pafundi loan to Serie B side Catanzaro

Udinese has not confirmed the loan of 20‑year‑old midfielder Simone Pafundi to Catanzaro, a Serie B club, after earlier reports indicated the deal was imminent. The move was to be a loan with an option to buy, but the Friulian side appears to be reconsidering, keeping control of his registration until 2028.

Pafundi, who previously spent a season on loan at Sampdoria, attracted national attention when Roberto Mancini called him up at 16 and described him as a “true talent”. The uncertainty over his move comes as Catanzaro prepares for the new season while Udinese evaluates his physical condition before deciding his next step.