Done Deal: Witsel ready to join Udinese as free agent

Reports in Belgium claim Axel Witsel has agreed to join Udinese as a free agent, on a one-year contract with option for a second, while Lautaro Giannetti is heading to Turkey.

Belgian transfer pundit Sacha Tavolieri had already reported over the last few days that the Friulani were the hot favourites to secure Witsel.

Now he claims the negotiations over personal terms have reached a successful conclusion and the midfielder will put pen to paper following the standard medical tests.

This is going to be a one-year contract with an option to extend for another season.

Udinese bring in Witsel, sell Giannetti

Witsel is a free agent after his deal with Atletico Madrid was allowed to run down and he feels that he can get sufficient regular playing time in Serie A to stay in contention for the Belgium 2026 World Cup squad.

Meanwhile, there is some confusion over the future of Udinese defender Giannetti.

Everyone seems to agree he is heading to the Turkish Super Lig, but the precise destination is not entirely clear.

Reports in Argentina point him towards Trabzonspor, while Sky Sport Italia say his next club will be Antalyaspor.