Although transfer market rumours continue to suggest that Lazio will sell Luis Alberto in January, a winter departure seems unlikely for the Spanish midfielder.
The Biancocelesti squad met up in Formello yesterday to begin preparations for the second half of the season following a brief holiday, and coach Maurizio Sarri also took stock of the Luis Alberto situation. The Spaniard’s agent suggested last month that his client was ‘uncomfortable’ with his lack of usage in the Italian capital, prompting rumours of a departure in January.
As detailed by Il Messaggero (via LazioNews24), despite the rumours, Lazio will most likely retain Luis Alberto until the end of the season at least. With a contract expiring in 2025, a salary of around €4m net per season and an estimated market value of €20-25 million, it would be hard to find a buyer in the winter transfer window.
For this reason, president Claudio Lotito has specifically asked Sarri to try and resolve things with Luis Alberto, wanting the Spaniard on top form both mentally and physically.
Discussing the situation, the Biancocelesti president was clear with his desires and position.
Luis Alberto will not leave on loan because he is strong, an added value for Lazio and a compromise can be found.
He has to accept the coach’s choices and Maurizio can be more understanding and understand him, because every player has a different character.
Luis Alberto has scored four goals and provided two assists in 17 appearances across all competitions this season, mostly coming off the bench in the second half of games.