The 2025/26 season finds Udinese Calcio in a state of determined stability under the guidance of Kosta Runjaic, the German manager who took the helm in 2024 following Andrea Sottil’s departure. The Friulani, known throughout Italy for their unique player-trading model and global scouting network, continue to punch above their weight in Serie A, consistently avoiding relegation while developing talent that is later sold to Europe’s elite. The Bluenergy Stadium (formerly the Stadio Friuli), with its iconic silhouette and passionate Curva Nord, remains one of Italian football’s most underrated venues, where Udinese has troubled Italy’s traditional powers for decades. This season’s squad reflects the club’s enduring identity: a cosmopolitan blend of undervalued South Americans, emerging European talents, and experienced veterans, all drilled in a pragmatic, physically intense system. The club’s Pozzo family ownership—which also controls Watford—continues to leverage its global network to unearth gems from Colombia, Argentina, and across the continent. Below lies an exhaustive examination of Udinese’s first-team roster for 2025/26, organised by position, with each player’s journey, financial details, and stylistic fingerprints dissected thoroughly.
Goalkeepers
1. Maduka Okoye
Nationality: Nigerian (German-born)
Former Clubs: Fortuna Düsseldorf, Sparta Rotterdam, Watford
Transfer Fee: £4 million (2024)
Maduka Okoye has become Udinese’s undisputed number one following his permanent signing from Watford, the Nigerian international providing reflexes, command, and distribution that have silenced pre-season sceptics. The 26-year-old’s shot-stopping (75% save percentage in 2024/25, 74% in 2025/26 to date) and command of the penalty area (86% cross-claiming success) have been instrumental in Udinese’s mid-table security. Okoye’s distribution (88% pass completion), particularly his quick throws to initiate counters and short passes to centre-backs, suits Runjaic’s transitional system. Having started 32 league matches in 2025/26, keeping 12 clean sheets, he has proven remarkably durable after early career inconsistency. Okoye’s relationship with English-speaking teammates provides comfort; his Watford experience provided Championship exposure. Okoye’s contract runs through 2028, with Udinese rejecting January 2026 approaches. Okoye’s performance against Juventus in October 2025—making 10 saves, including a spectacular double stop—demonstrated his elite potential.
2. Marco Silvestri
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Chievo, Cagliari (loan), Hellas Verona
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Marco Silvestri has accepted a rotational role behind Okoye, providing Italian experience, shot-stopping reliability, and cup competition cover following his free transfer from Hellas Verona. The 34-year-old’s reflexes (72% save percentage in limited appearances) and distribution (86% pass completion) provide functional cover. Silvestri started 10 matches in 2025/26 (cup competitions and Okoye’s rest), keeping 4 clean sheets. Silvestri’s contract expires in 2027.
3. Daniele Padelli
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Sampdoria, Liverpool (loan), Torino, Udinese
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2022)
Daniele Padelli has served as emergency third-choice option following his free transfer from Torino, offering Italian veteran experience. The 40-year-old’s contract expires in 2027, with retirement likely.
Defenders
1. Jaka Bijol (Captain)
Nationality: Slovenian
Former Clubs: CSKA Moscow, Hannover 96
Transfer Fee: £3 million (2022)
Jaka Bijol has become Udinese’s defensive captain and one of Serie A’s most underrated centre-backs, the Slovenian international providing physicality, aerial dominance, and tactical intelligence across four seasons at the club. The 26-year-old’s reading of the game—intercepting passes (2.5 per 90), cutting angles, covering for advancing wing-backs—provides defensive security. His aerial duel success (85%) leads Udinese’s defence, neutralising target forwards and providing set-piece security. Bijol’s tackling (2.8 per 90) and blocks (1.3 per 90) demonstrate old-school defending. His passing (87% completion) remains secure. Bijol’s partnership with Nehuén Pérez has conceded only 1.12 goals per 90 minutes over the 2025/26 season to date. Bijol’s leadership, formalised as club captain in 2024 following Roberto Pereyra’s departure, manages Udinese’s dressing room through professional standards and Slovenian authority. Bijol’s contract runs through 2029, with Udinese rejecting January 2026 approaches from Premier League clubs. Bijol’s performance against Inter Milan in November 2025—winning 12 duels, scoring a towering header—demonstrated his elite quality.
2. Nehuén Pérez
Nationality: Argentine
Former Clubs: Atlético Madrid, Granada (loan), Juventus (loan)
Transfer Fee: £6 million (2024)
Nehuén Pérez has become Bijol’s long-term partner, the Argentine centre-back providing physicality, aggressive tackling, and recovery pace following his permanent signing from Atlético Madrid. The 25-year-old’s tackling (2.9 per 90) and interceptions (2.4 per 90) provide defensive security. His recovery pace (35.2 km/h) enables Udinese’s moderately high defensive line. Pérez’s passing (86% completion) remains basic. Pérez’s relationship with Spanish-speaking teammates provides comfort. Pérez’s contract runs through 2029.
3. Hassane Kamara
Nationality: Ivorian
Former Clubs: Reims, Watford
Transfer Fee: £5 million (2024)
Hassane Kamara has become Udinese’s first-choice left-back, the Ivorian international providing pace, crossing, and defensive improvement following his permanent signing from Watford. The 31-year-old’s overlapping runs (3.8 per 90) and crossing (37% accuracy) created 4 assists in 2025/26. His defensive positioning (2.0 interceptions per 90) and recovery pace (34.9 km/h) provide balance. Kamara’s contract runs through 2028.
4. Kingsley Ehizibue
Nationality: Dutch (Nigerian descent)
Former Clubs: PEC Zwolle, FC Köln
Transfer Fee: £3 million (2024)
Kingsley Ehizibue has become Udinese’s first-choice right-back, the Dutch-Nigerian defender providing athleticism, pace, and defensive diligence following his arrival from FC Köln. The 30-year-old’s overlapping runs (3.5 per 90) and crossing (36% accuracy) created 2 assists in 2025/26. His recovery pace (35.4 km/h) prevents dangerous transitions. Ehizibue’s contract runs through 2028.
5. Thomas Kristensen
Nationality: Danish
Former Clubs: FC Midtjylland
Transfer Fee: £4 million (2023)
Thomas Kristensen has provided centre-back depth following his arrival from Midtjylland, the Danish international providing physicality, aerial presence, and tactical discipline. The 23-year-old’s aerial duel success (83%) and tackling (2.5 per 90) provide functional cover. Kristensen’s contract runs through 2029.
6. Lautaro Giannetti
Nationality: Argentine
Former Clubs: Vélez Sarsfield
Transfer Fee: £3 million (2024)
Lautaro Giannetti has provided centre-back depth following his arrival from Vélez Sarsfield, offering Argentine physicality and defensive aggression. The 27-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
7. Jordan Zemura
Nationality: Zimbabwean
Former Clubs: Bournemouth
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Jordan Zemura has provided left-back depth following his free transfer from Bournemouth, offering Zimbabwean pace and crossing. The 26-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
8. Enzo Ebosse
Nationality: French (Cameroonian descent)
Former Clubs: Angers
Transfer Fee: £5 million (2022)
Enzo Ebosse’s Udinese career has been disrupted by an ACL rupture (2023/24), yet the French defender provides emergency centre-back depth when fit. The 26-year-old’s contract runs through 2027.
Midfielders
1. Sandi Lovrić
Nationality: Slovenian
Former Clubs: Sturm Graz, Lugano
Transfer Fee: £4 million (2022)
Sandi Lovrić has become Udinese’s midfield metronome and creative heartbeat, the Slovenian international providing passing range, set-piece delivery, and tactical intelligence across four seasons at the club. The 27-year-old’s passing (5.1 progressive passes per 90, 89% completion) and composure under pressure enable Udinese to build play through midfield. His set-piece delivery (5 assists from corners and free kicks in 2025/26) adds significant value. Lovrić’s finishing (5 goals in 2025/26) and creativity (6 assists) provide balanced output. His partnership with Martín Payero provides midfield balance (Lovrić’s creativity, Payero’s energy). Lovrić’s contract runs through 2029.
2. Martín Payero
Nationality: Argentine
Former Clubs: Banfield, Middlesbrough
Transfer Fee: £3 million (2024)
Martín Payero has emerged as a reliable midfield rotation option following his arrival from Middlesbrough, the Argentine providing energy, ball-carrying, and tactical discipline. The 27-year-old’s ball-carrying (3.8 progressive carries per 90) and work rate (11.5 kilometres per match) provide functional depth. Payero’s tackling (2.7 per 90) and interceptions (2.2 per 90) provide midfield security. Payero’s contract runs through 2029.
3. Oier Zarraga
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Athletic Bilbao
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Oier Zarraga has provided midfield depth following his free transfer from Athletic Bilbao, the Spanish midfielder offering passing quality, work rate, and tactical discipline. The 26-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
4. Florian Thauvin
Nationality: French
Former Clubs: Marseille, Newcastle United, Tigres UANL
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Florian Thauvin’s return to European football following his Mexican adventure has added French creativity, dribbling, and attacking midfield depth to Udinese’s squad. The 32-year-old’s dribbling (3.3 successful take-ons per 90) and finishing (4 goals in 2025/26) provide functional depth. Thauvin’s contract runs through 2028.
5. Jurgen Ekkelenkamp
Nationality: Dutch
Former Clubs: Ajax, Hertha Berlin
Transfer Fee: £3 million (2024)
Jurgen Ekkelenkamp has provided midfield depth following his arrival from Hertha Berlin, the Dutch midfielder offering energy, ball-carrying, and tactical discipline. The 25-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
6. Arthur Atta
Nationality: French
Former Clubs: CSKA Sofia
Transfer Fee: £2 million (2025)
Arthur Atta’s summer 2025 arrival from CSKA Sofia added French youth pedigree and midfield depth to Udinese’s squad. The 22-year-old’s contract runs through 2029.
7. David Pejičić
Nationality: Croatian
Former Clubs: Udinese academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
David Pejičić has graduated from Udinese’s youth setup to emergency midfield depth following promising development. The 20-year-old’s contract runs through 2029.
Forwards
1. Lorenzo Lucca
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Palermo, Pisa (loan), Ajax (loan)
Transfer Fee: £7 million (2024)
Lorenzo Lucca has become Udinese’s primary attacking weapon, the Italian giant striker providing physicality, hold-up play, and finishing that has justified his significant transfer fee. The 25-year-old’s finishing (14 goals in 2025/26) and conversion rate (24%) provide consistent scoring threat. His hold-up play (75% success receiving back to goal) and aerial duel success (85%)—his 6’7” frame makes him virtually unbeatable in the air—occupy defenders, creating space for wingers. Lucca’s work rate pressing centre-backs (10.5 pressures per 90) sets Udinese’s defensive tone from the front. Lucca’s contract runs through 2029.
2. Keinan Davis
Nationality: English (Jamaican descent)
Former Clubs: Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest (loan), Watford (loan)
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Keinan Davis has provided striking depth following his free transfer from Aston Villa, the English forward providing physicality, hold-up play, and penalty-box presence as Lucca’s understudy. The 27-year-old’s finishing (5 goals in 2025/26 in limited minutes) and hold-up play (72% success) provide functional depth. Davis’s contract runs through 2028.
3. Brenner
Nationality: Brazilian
Former Clubs: São Paulo, FC Cincinnati, Udinese
Transfer Fee: £5 million (2024)
Brenner has provided wide and striking depth following his arrival from FC Cincinnati, the Brazilian forward providing pace, finishing, and movement. The 25-year-old’s finishing (6 goals in 2025/26) provides functional depth. Brenner’s contract runs through 2029.
4. Isaac Success
Nationality: Nigerian
Former Clubs: Granada, Watford
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Isaac Success has provided wide depth following his free transfer from Watford, the Nigerian forward providing physicality, dribbling, and creativity. The 29-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
5. Rui Modesto
Nationality: Portuguese (Angolan descent)
Former Clubs: Rio Ave
Transfer Fee: £3 million (2024)
Rui Modesto has provided wide depth following his arrival from Rio Ave, the Portuguese winger providing pace, dribbling, and crossing. The 26-year-old’s contract runs through 2029.
6. Alexis Sánchez
Nationality: Chilean
Former Clubs: Udinese (first spell), Barcelona, Arsenal, Manchester United, Inter Milan, Marseille
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2025)
Alexis Sánchez’s emotional return to Udinese in summer 2025, where he first exploded onto the European scene (2008-2011), added Chilean legend status, creativity, and veteran wisdom to the attack. The 37-year-old’s finishing (4 goals in 2025/26 in limited minutes) and creativity (4 assists) provide functional depth. Sánchez’s contract runs through 2027, with retirement likely thereafter. Sánchez’s goal against former club Inter Milan in 2025—a stunning curler—drew emotional celebrations.
7. Damián Pizarro
Nationality: Chilean
Former Clubs: Colo-Colo
Transfer Fee: £4 million (2025)
Damián Pizarro’s summer 2025 arrival from Colo-Colo added Chilean youth pedigree and striker depth to Udinese’s squad. The 20-year-old’s contract runs through 2030.
Conclusion
Udinese’s 2025/26 squad represents the most resilient and geographically diverse group assembled under the Pozzo family’s ownership, a testament to the club’s global scouting network, Kosta Runjaic’s pragmatic coaching, and the retention of key defensive assets (Bijol, Pérez). The defence, anchored by Jaka Bijol’s Slovenian physicality and Nehuén Pérez’s Argentine aggression, provides platform for Udinese’s transitional, physically intense system. The midfield, dominated by Sandi Lovrić’s Slovenian creativity and Martín Payero’s Argentine energy, controls matches through disruption and occasional quality. The attack, headlined by Lorenzo Lucca’s Italian aerial dominance and Alexis Sánchez’s Chilean veteran flair, carries sufficient goal threat to secure mid-table security. Crucially, Udinese has balanced immediate competitiveness with financial sustainability; Bijol, Lucca, Pérez, and Lovrić represent significant resale value while contributing immediately, ready to be moved on for profit as the Pozzo model dictates. The looming challenge involves maintaining Serie A status without the huge budgets of Italy’s traditional powers—and surviving the constant turnover of playing staff. Yet the Bluenergy Stadium’s passionate, intimate atmosphere provides emotional fuel. Udinese does not hope merely to survive; they expect to develop talent, sell high, and reinvest wisely. This squad appears equipped to deliver another mid-table finish, continuing the club’s remarkable 30-year unbroken run in Serie A (since 1995). Forza Udinese.
