Lazio’s 2019 Summer Transfer Window Acquisitions

From July 1 to September 2, the 2019 edition of the Italian Summer Transfer Window took place. An extremely eventful and memorable period, I decided to recap Lazio’s activity on the market in two articles. In part one, I will be taking a look at the Biancocelesti’s arrivals; 13 acquisitions were made and €39.4+ million was spent. In part two, I will be taking a look at all of the players who left Rome. Both definitive and loan deals are included, while players returning to the Capital are excluded.

(1) Habeeb Omobolaji Adekanye

Liverpool’s Bobby Adekanye Source: This is Anfield

The 20-year-old was acquired on a free transfer following his time with Liverpool’s U23 side. A player capable of playing in any of the midfield or attacking roles on either of the two flanks, he operates best when deployed as a winger. At Lazio, the Dutch-Nigerian youngster will be used as a second striker – backing up Ciro Immobile or Felipe Caicedo – or as a left or right wing-back. For the time being, he will be a substitute for any of the aforementioned positions, waiting to be called upon to prove himself to Simone Inzaghi and management.

“He has the potential to become a real star at Lazio; confident and quick and the ball, he reminds me of Keita Balde.”

S.K.MOORE

(2) Denis Vavro

Denis Vavro, Source- Footy.dk

The 23-year-old was acquired for a fee of around €10.5 million from Copenhagen. He is comfortable being deployed as a left or right center-back; at Lazio, Inzaghi will firstly use the Slovakian international as a substitute for the back line before making him a regular starter in the near future. The manager has decided this to be the case as he believes he needs time to adapt to Serie A football.

“A quick but aggressive defender able to remain match fit like Francesco Acerbi; he is also a real threat from set pieces both in the air and when standing over the ball.”

S.K.MOORE

(3) Manuel Lazzari

The 25-year-old was acquired from Spal in a swap deal that included Alessandro Murgia and an additional cash sum of around €11 million. It is important to note that he was the only player out of all the signings to be purchased to be a set starter in Inzaghi’s lineup. At Lazio, the Italian international will play as a right wing-back, perfectly fitting into the current style of play already being implemented.

“You can expect him to take his chances this season; he is a terrific crosser of the ball, suiting the countering system of football Lazio play.”

S.K.MOORE

(4) Andreas Karo

Andreas Karo, Source- Alfredo Pedulla

The 22-year-old was acquired for a fee of around €160 thousand from Apollon Limassol. It is important to note that the central defender was likely scouted when Lazio played the club in the UEFA Europa League last campaign. Shortly after signing the Cypriot, he was sent to Salernitana on loan for the season to adapt and see if he can perform in Italy. This move was also a result of Claudio Lotito also being a part-owner of the Serie B side.

“What looks like a signing for Claudio Lotito’s second team in the Serie B, we’ll see if he surprises enough to remain with the team in the Serie A next year.”

S.K.MOORE

(5) Sofian Kiyine

Sofian Kiyine, Source- Chievo Verona

The 21-year-old was acquired for a fee of around €750 thousand from Chievo. Shortly after signing the Moroccan-Belgian, he was sent to Salernitana in the Serie B on loan for the season to prove himself. A player capable of playing in any of the midfield positions, he operates best when deployed central or to the left. As it stands, Gian Piero Ventura has decided to start him on the left flank for the Granata.

“Lazio have been interested for quite some time. However, as their midfield department is full, a loan move is ideal as he continues to grow.”

S.K.MOORE

(6) Angelo Ndrecka

Angelo Ndrecka, Source- Indeksonline

The 17-year-old was acquired for an undisclosed amount from Chievo’s U19 side. He will join Lazio’s Primavera side as he continues to develop; the Ital-Albanian youngster plays primarily as a left-back.

“One for the future, he will be one to keep an eye on as he moves up the #Lazio ranks.”

S.K.MOORE

(7) Florent Shehu

Florent Shehu, Source- @florent_shehu

The 17-year-old was acquired for an undisclosed amount from Levante’s youth club. He will join Lazio’s Primavera side as he continues to develop; the youngster of Swiss, French, Kosovan, and Albanian nationality plays primarily as a right-winger.

“One for the future, hopefully this will be another one of Igli Tare’s masterclass moves.”

S.K.MOORE

(8) Jonathan Rodríguez Menéndez

Jony, Source- @jonrodri23

The 28-year-old was acquired for a fee of around €2 million from Malaga – a club going through serious financial distress. Definitely a player of higher value, Lazio were able to swoop in and sign the Spaniard for a complete bargain. While the deal took some time to finalize and become official, he already seems to have made himself feel at home, challenging Senad Lulic for the starting left wing-back role.

(9) Gustavo Cipriano de Azevedo

Gustavo Cipriano, Source- hiveminer.com

The 18-year-old was acquired on loan with a €1m buyout from Santos. A youngster with promise and potential, the Brazilian will start for the Primavera as he works to show what he is capable of and move up the ladder to reach the first team; he plays as a central defender.

“A target since 2018, he knows when and how to put in a challenge to win the ball, by having good positioning and the ability to remain calm.”

S.K.MOORE

(10) Patryk Dziczek

Patryk Dziczek – Source – Piast Gliwice

The 21-year-old was acquired for a fee of around €2 million from Piast Gliwice. A Polish youth international, he already has a load of experience under his belt for his age. Looking to impress, he was sent to Salernitana on loan shortly after joining the Biancocelesti. However, this was mainly the cause of playing abroad and the central midfield department being jam-packed. I won’t be surprised to see him with the first team in a year from now.

“Brave and quick, he can move the ball around the pitch with ease, creating an advantage for his attack-minded teammates.”

S.K.MOORE

(11) Fabio Maistro

Fabio Maistro, Source- Il Messaggero

The 21-year-old was acquired for an undisclosed amount from Serie C side Rieti. He immediately joined Serie B side Salernitana as he continues to develop; the Italian primarily plays as a central attacking midfielder.

“A very creative and attack minded player, he is very good at driving towards goal and finding open space; he’s a bright star.”

S.K.MOORE

(12) Diomandè Yann Cedric Gondo

Diomandè Yann Cedric Gondo, Source- Tutto Mercato Web

The 22-year-old was acquired on a free transfer following his time with Rieti. A talented player, he was spoken highly of when at Fiorentina, it just looks like he hasn’t been able to settle down and find form somewhere yet. The Ital-Ivorian immediately joined Salernitana on loan.

(13) Raúl Moro Prescoli

Raúl Moro Prescoli, Source- @raulett_7

The 16-year-old was acquired for an undisclosed amount from Barcelona’s U18 side. He will join Lazio’s Primavera as he works his way up the ranks to the first team. Highly spoken of, he has already played with the Spanish youth international teams.

Tags Andreas Karo Angelo Ndrecka Claudio Lotito Denis Vavro Diomandè Yann Cedric Gondo Fabio Maistro Florent Shehu Gian Piero Ventura Gustavo Cipriano de Azevedo Habeeb Omobolaji Adekanye Jonathan Rodríguez Menéndez Lazio Manuel Lazzari Patryk Dziczek Raúl Moro Prescoli Salernitana Simone Inzaghi Sofian Kiyine Vavro