Runjaic wants Gudelj and Udinese rushes for the Serbian: alternative is

Context

Nemanja Gudelj, 34, is a player who stood out in LaLiga, having participated in 34 games last season. His experience at high-level clubs, such as Sevilla, makes him an attractive target for Udinese, who are looking to reinforce their defensive line. Gudelj's versatility could be an important asset for the team, especially in the context of developing younger players.

Why this matters

Udinese are intensifying efforts to secure Nemanja Gudelj, a free agent following his spell at Sevilla. His versatility, being able to play in both midfield and defense, is crucial for Kosta Runjaic's new sporting project, which aims to strengthen the team's rearguard. Signing Gudelj would not only bring immediate experience, but also aligns with Udinese's strategy of seeking effective reinforcements in the transfer market without compromising the budget.

Main conclusions

Runjaic wants Gudelj and Udinese rushes for the Serbian: the alternative is.
Udinese advances through Nemanja Gudelj, requested by Kosta Runjaic to play as a defender.
Runjaic chiede Gudelj, l'Udinese accelerates per il serbo. The alternative is Juan Jesus.

Udinese is accelerating to secure Nemanja Gudelj, a Serbian midfielder who ended his contract with Sevilla and is free on the market, according to the Italian press. The 34-year-old player is a direct target of coach Kosta Runjaic, who intends to use him as a central defender in the Friulians' new sporting project. According to the same information, the Udine club could move forward in the next few hours to place the Serbian under contract, after a season in which he played 34 games in LaLiga 2025/26 with the Andalusian team.

Gudelj, recognized for his versatility between the defensive midfield and the defense axis, is seen as a player capable of offering immediate experience to the Bianconera rearguard. Runjaic's idea is to add solidity, reading the game and passing the ball from behind, arguments that the Serbian demonstrated consistently along the way at Sevilla. At zero cost, the profile equally fits Udinese's market strategy, which seeks solutions of reliability and impact without putting too much strain on the transfer budget.

At the same time, Friulan SAD is evaluating another experienced option: Juan Jesus. The Brazilian defender, whose contract was not renewed by Napoli at the end of last season, is also available on the market and appears as an alternative on the table. Despite no longer being in the years of greatest physical explosion, Juan Jesus has a history of reliable performance and accumulates considerable ballast in Serie A, with spells at Naples, Rome and Inter. His leadership ability and in-depth knowledge of the Italian championship are seen as assets that can accelerate integration and help the growth of the younger players in the squad.

The need to reinforce the center of defense is a priority for Udinese, who intend to face the new Serie A season with another consistency in the back line. The demands of the Italian calendar and the competitiveness of the championship require immediate and reliable solutions, which is why the Bianconeri look to the free player market as an opportunity to fill structural gaps.

Without advanced contractual values or duration, the Gudelj dossier may see developments in the short term, as a result of Runjaic's express request and the club's desire to quickly close a reinforcement for the axis. If the operation does not progress, Juan Jesus is a solid plan B, guaranteeing experience, versatility and an important leadership profile for the locker room. For now, Udinese is continuing the conversations and is preparing to decide which of the two profiles best fits the final design of its defensive sector for 2026/27.

What happens next

With Udinese accelerating negotiations, it is possible that Gudelj will sign a contract in the next few hours. If the transfer goes through, the Serbian could be a key player in the defense, contributing to the team's solidity in the next Serie A season. Furthermore, Udinese continues to consider Juan Jesus as a viable alternative, which demonstrates the club's search for experienced options to reinforce its defensive line.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Nemanja Gudelj?

Nemanja Gudelj is a 34-year-old Serbian midfielder who ended his contract with Sevilla and is free on the market.

Where does Nemanja Gudelj come from?

Nemanja Gudelj comes from Sevilla, where he played in the 2025/26 season.

Why are Udinese interested in Gudelj?

Udinese are interested in Gudelj to use as a defender in coach Kosta Runjaic's new sporting project, aiming to add solidity and experience to the team.

What is the status of the deal for Gudelj?

Udinese are accelerating to secure the signing of Nemanja Gudelj, and could move in the coming hours to place the player under contract.

What will Gudelj's role be at Udinese?

Gudelj will be used as a defender, bringing versatility and experience to the Udinese squad.