Lazio could experience a significant player exodus this Summer, with key figures like Felipe Anderson, Luis Alberto, and Pedro all potentially leaving the club. The Laziali Founder, Steven Moore, takes stock of the situation below.
The Brazilian’s shock departure announcement on his birthday sent ripples through the fanbase. As he was in the last year of his contract, many reports had suggested he was torn between extending his deal with the Biancocelesti and joining Juventus. However, while the contracts and salaries being offered to the attacker were essentially the same, in a shock change of plans, he opted for a return to Brazil, with Palmeiras announcing his arrival. Even though he has been a key player since his return for a second stint in Rome, consistently maintaining his fitness, he, unfortunately, lacked the required consistency. Nonetheless, his contributions will be remembered and appreciated.
Luis Alberto recently stated that he sees his future elsewhere beyond this season. Despite being notorious for stirring up drama with his words, this instance feels distinct, particularly given the public confirmation by Sporting Director Angelo Mariano Fabiani; he revealed that the Spanish star privately conveyed his intention to depart Rome following Maurizio Sarri’s departure and the arrival of Igor Tudor for reasons that could not be revealed to the public.
Despite Pedro’s contract being automatically extended for another season, the veteran seems more and more likely to return to Spain. The Spanish winger has experienced a significant decline in form this season, which is understandable given his age—he’s turning 37 and nearing the end of his career. Maurizio Sarri is no longer at the club to vouch for him and he does not suit Igor Tudor’s tactics.
While the Japan International has the choice to extend his one-year contract by three years, several factors will influence his decision. These include interest from other top clubs, assurances from Tudor regarding playing time and playing style, and Lazio’s finish this year (European finish or . However, regardless of these factors, it appears probable that the 27-year-old will depart in the summer due to changes in Italian government regulations, specifically the expiration of tax relief under the Growth Decree law. This change would make his proposed three-year extension considerably more expensive for Lazio, the Biancocelesti.
The Montenegro International presents another intriguing scenario. Despite enjoying a successful couple of years under Simone Inzaghi, Adam Marusic has recently faced challenges in maintaining his peak performance. The wing-back has been heavily associated with a transfer to Saudi Arabia to reunite with former Lazio teammate and close friend Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. With his contract set to expire next summer (2025), any potential sale by Lazio to secure compensation would need to occur before the upcoming season.
A similar circumstance applies to Albanian full-back Elseid Hysaj (turns 31 in February), who is not included in Igor Tudor’s strategic vision, and Uruguayan International Matias Vecino (turns 33 in August), who has frequently been rumoured to be considering a move to Turkey. Both players’ contracts are also due to expire in 2025, suggesting that their tenures in Rome could be drawing to a close; both of these players leaving also allows the club to lower its overall squad age.
Luigi Sepe was signed to be the deputy to Ivan Provedel. However, Lazio have not used the 32-year-old veteran goalkeeper to date; he is on loan from Salernitana and will likely not extend his current deal with the Biancocelesti.
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