Report: Lazio interested in €8 million Brazilian national team defender

In the pursuit for Stefan de Vrij’s replacement, a lot of new names have been reported by the Italian media. According to CittaCeleste, however, Lazio are turning to a name that they have targeted in past transfer windows: Rodrigo Caio.

Rodrigo Caio is current playing for Sao Paulo in Brazil, having come through the youth ranks in 2011 and playing for the club ever since. He has made 271 appearances for the Brazilian outfit in all competitions; scoring 13 goals in this time. In this time, he has played for the Brazilian national team 4 times; making his debut back in 2016.

He is an extremely versatile player. He began his career as a defensive midfielder, before moving into a right-back position to play Santos FC in the State League in 2012. In this match, Caio would make a name for himself by battling toughly against Santos’ star player, Neymar. He made headlines for his extravagant defending, utilising the ‘scorpion kick’ to prevent opportunities being created/finished by Neymar.

Rodrigo Caio almost departed São Paulo when, in June 2015, he agreed a €12.5 million (up to €16.5 million with add-ons) move to Valencia CF. However, his move to La Liga ultimately collapsed after Caio failed two medicals at the Spanish club.

For the past two summers, Lazio have been interested in Rodrigo Caio and the 24-year-old could finally be coming to the Stadio Olimpico. It is thought that Igli Tare thinks very highly of the versatile Brazilian; and will look to move for him once Stefan de Vrij completes his move away from Rome.

Speaking to ESPN Brazil, Rodrigo Caio said “Farewell to Sao Paulo? I think that in the next window, the opportunity has come to experience something new elsewhere. I am not completely sure about this, also because the market is still closed. There is nothing concrete but the right moment may have arrived for a new challenge.”

Tags Brazil ESPN Brazil Igli Tare La Liga Neymar Rodrigo Caio S.S. Lazio Santos FC Sao Paulo FC Stefan De Vrij Stefan de Vrij Inter Valencia Valencia C.F. Valencia F.C.