Galatasaray are incredibly keen to sign unneeded Lazio forward Vedat Muriqi this summer and talks are currently ongoing.
The 28-year-old Kosovan forward had a tough first half of the season under Maurizio Sarri, contributing to only one goal in 11 Serie A appearances. In the January transfer window, Muriqi joined RCD Mallorca on loan and he found success, scoring four goals and providing three assists in 15 La Liga games. He’s now ready for a permanent move to a new club, closing a chapter on a rough time in Rome.
As reported by Il Tempo (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), Galatasaray are making a serious move for Muriqi and the club’s new director Cenk Ergun is now in talks with Lazio, hoping to find a deal.
There has also been a phone call between the Kosovan striker and Turkish coach Okan Buruk, who is on the verge of taking over at Galatasaray. Buruk worked with Muriqi at Caykur Rizespor, where the 28-year-old scored 25 goals in 52 games.
RCD Mallorca seem set to miss out on the Lazio owned forward despite his impressive time on loan; their offer hasn’t come close to the €12 million buy option agreed in January, nor the €10 million that Lazio would consider accepting.
Galatasaray have more financial mobility and so could send a convincing offer to Lazio this summer, especially once Bafetimbi Gomis has been sold. Updates are expected in the coming weeks, with the Kosovan forward certainly not returning to Maurizio Sarri’s squad this summer. The club are lining up Francesco Caputo as a replacement.
