The 2023 winter transfer window is now closed, and while some players were able to secure moves away, others were not so lucky.
One player left feeling quite disappointed is Roma's Nicolo Zaniolo, who has been locked in an ongoing battle with coach Jose Mourinho as well as others within the Giallorossi set-up. The Italian international moved to Roma in the summer of 2018, and has gone on to make nearly 100 appearances for the Lupi across all competitions. Despite scoring the winning goal for Mourinho's side during the inaugural Europa Conference League last May, Zaniolo is reportedly keen on a move away from the Stadio Olimpico after falling out with his manager.
The 23-year-old currently has about 18 months remaining on his contract, but had tried to angle for a move, leading to him being frozen out of the squad. Reports from Italy claim that it's unlikely that he will play again this season, and while there was an offer, namely from struggling side Bournemouth, the player rejected the move only to try to change his mind at the last minute.
Leeds were also linked with a move for him, but nothing materialized during the month-long transfer window.
Zaniolo's entourage, namely his family, apparently feel that the player is being "bullied" by the club which has led to him even apparently having to leave his home after being harassed by some ultras. As a result of what his family feel is "damaging" to his mental well being, the player is considering taking legal action against the club.
That certainly will not do much to calm an already tense situation down, but it remains to be seen what will happen next as this issue threatens to become an even bigger saga.
