Samardzic ‘in no hurry’ amidst Juventus and Napoli links, father says

Mladen Samardzic, the father of Udinese starlet Lazar Samardzic, noted that his son is ‘ready for the next step’ but is ‘in no hurry’ following recent talks with Juventus and Napoli.

The 21-year-old German midfielder has become the centre of attention in the Serie A transfer market over the last seven months. In the summer, he seemed to be just a step away from joining Inter before a deal ultimately collapsed at the final hurdle, leaving him at Udinese.

In the January transfer window, Napoli tried to finalise a deal for Samardzic but also failed to get things across the line. In the meantime, Juventus have been in close contact with the midfielder, trying to set up a deal for the summer.

Speaking on page 19 of today’s Gazzetta dello Sport, Mladen Samardzic first confirmed that he’d be in the stands for Udinese’s coming match with Juventus.

“Yes, I will try to be there with my wife and our other two children.”

He spoke about if his son was disappointed by how things have gone in the transfer market.

“I think this has already been talked about enough. Laki has continued to work hard and is focused on Udinese. The team are going through a difficult phase and my son wants to help his teammates to get out of it together.”

Finally, the elder Samardzic was asked about the links with Juventus and Napoli, and possibly clubs from abroad.

“We need to see what will be best for Laki’s development. The fact that he has been linked to several teams is a sign that he is doing well. My son has already said he is ready for the next step, but he is in no hurry.

“He knows what he has in Udine, where he feels very comfortable at the club and has consistently demonstrated his worth. And this was only positive for his growth. We’ll see what the future holds for us.

“The great combinations that we read in the newspapers are pleasing, but what makes me even more proud is that Laki has developed a personal style of play. His technique is a good mix of talent and hard work.

“As a child he spent a lot of time on the football pitches after school and also attended an excellent youth academy at Hertha Berlin. And then for some time he has been working with a personal coach with whom, among other aspects, has taken great care with technique.”