The future of Luis Alberto is endlessly shrouded in doubt and now the Spaniard has been linked to a possible exchange deal with Napoli’s Piotr Zielinski.
The 29-year-old Spanish midfielder’s contract expires with Lazio in 2025 but his future is far from certain, with the various ups-and-downs with Maurizio Sarri this season not being forgotten. His off-the-pitch behaviour has often frustrated president Claudio Lotito and he could depart this summer as the squad is revitalised.
As reported by Il Tempo (via LazioNews24), Luis Alberto has been linked to an exchange deal involving Napoli midfielder Piotr Zielinski, a favourite of Sarri. Both players have an estimated market value of around €30 million and an exchange could suit both clubs.
Luis Alberto did have a productive season with Lazio, scoring five goals and providing 11 assists in 34 Serie A appearances this season, remaining a creative and exciting midfielder. He is also linked with a move to Sevilla, although this is something that gets brought up every transfer window.
Apollo’s Thoughts
This deal does not seem likely at all. Lazio clearly need to generate some funds this summer to fund Sarri’s squad overhaul and Luis Alberto is one of the two likely suspects to be sold (alongside Sergej Milinkovic-Savic). Due to this, the thought of Lotito accepting an equal exchange deal with Napoli for Zielinski seems all but impossible.
This summer might be the right time to sell Luis Alberto, especially if it means keeping Milinkovic-Savic. The Spaniard endlessly seems to have minor issues off the pitch and cashing in now ensures that the memory of him in Rome isn’t ultimately tarnished.
Regarding Zielinski, I think he probably would be a decent fit for Sarri’s Lazio midfield, but he certainly wouldn’t fill the void left behind by the Spaniard’s departure and he isn’t worth €30 million to the Biancocelesti.
