Erik ten Hag ’s former Ajax favourite Dusan Tadic has seen a move to Roma fall through as Jose Mourinho attempts to resolve the future of misfit Nicolo Zaniolo.
The Italian has expressed his desire to leave the Italian club this winter - news confirmed by Mourinho. Tottenham, West Ham United and Bournemouth have all been linked with a move for his services. It was confirmed earlier this month that a number of offers had been rebuffed for the versatile forward. “He [Zaniolo] said he wants to leave,” Mourinho said earlier this month.
“But that doesn’t mean he will leave. I say this because he is an important player and has an important value on the transfer market. The offers on the table are unworthy of him or the club. There’s nothing out there. This is why it is my sensation he will be here in February.”
The situation has gotten even more complicated recently with Bournemouth having seemingly struck a deal with Roma for Zaniolo’s signature only for the 23-year-old to turn down a move to the South Coast. That has left the Serie A club’s hierarchy furious, having even gone as far as identifying a replacement.
As per Corriere dello Sport, Mourinho’s side had identified Ajax captain and former Southampton star Tadic as a successor. It is suggested that they were aiming to take advantage of the veteran playmaker having just 18 months left on his contract in Amsterdam.
Since arriving in the Netherlands, the 34-year-old has consistently shone and played a starring role in the side under now Man Utd boss Ten Hag. Tadic is actually the Dutchman’s most-used player ever having made 194 appearances in all competitions under him.
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Speaking of Ten Hag, Tadic said: “No doubt Ten Hag is one of the best coaches in the world. He’s not just showing that this season, he’s shown it for years.
“He is tactically two steps ahead of every opponent. He knows exactly what every game needs in order to win. He is amazing really.”
He added: “Tactically, Erik ten Hag is the best. You will know what to do when you are on the pitch all the time.”
It remains to be seen if a resolution to the current impasse can be found for either Zaniolo or Tadic over the closing days of the window. The January window is set to close at 11pm on Tuesday evening.
Should the Italian continue to rebuff offers then it appears highly unlikely that he has a future in Rome. He has 18 months left on his current contract and could potentially be frozen out until then.
Since arriving at the club, Zaniolo has made 128 appearances and scored 24 goals. He played a huge part as Roma won the Europa Conference League in 2021/22 under Jose Mourinho with five goals in the competition.
