Catanzaro is finalizing a deal with Udinese for Simone Pafundi, a 20-year-old Italian who is returning to his parent club following a loan spell at Sampdoria. According to Sky Sport, Catanzaro's sporting director, Ciro Polito, has reached a broad agreement for the attacking midfielder after overcoming significant competition from other Serie B teams. The transfer is structured as a loan with an option to buy and a counter-option for Udinese. Udinese will also retain a percentage of any future resale value. Pafundi's contract with Udinese is valid until June 2028. In the 2025/2026 season, he made a total of 45 appearances in Serie A and Serie B, scoring one goal and providing three assists.