Lazio Outcast Causes Stir With Controversial Statement Over Collapsed Hajduk Split Transfer

SALERNO, ITALY - FEBRUARY 09: Toma Basic of US Salernitana drives the ball during the Serie A TIM match between US Salernitana and Empoli FC - Serie A TIM at Stadio Arechi on February 09, 2024 in Salerno, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

The recent statement made by Toma Basic on his failed move to Hajduk Split has not sat well with the Lazio management.

The 27-year-old returned to Formello this summer following a brief loan spell at Salernitana, but he found himself on the bottom of Marco Baroni’s pecking order. In fact, he was left out of the club’s Serie A and Europa League squad lists. Therefore, the Croatian was eager to return to his former club Hajduk, but the parties couldn’t reach a final agreement before the deadline.

Afterwards, the midfielder claimed he was willing to take a pay cut to force the move, but Lazio President Claudio Lotito blocked it. And as La Lazio Siamo Noi explains, the player’s words caused a stir at the club’s headquarters.

Lazio Irritated by Basic Comments

The source claims the Biancocelesti management was irked by the player’s statement. For one, the club hadn’t authorized the interview. Moreover, the Lazio Directors felt the player was only telling “half-truths”.

The report reveals that Hajduk Split wanted to sign Basic on a free loan while offering him a salary of €300,000. This is a far cry from the Croatian’s current wages at Lazio, as he collects €1.6 million per year, so the midfielder was expecting Lazio to cover the remaining part of his salary while he plays his football in his home country, something that the Serie A side refused. Furthermore, the Italian capital side offered to renew the player’s contract from 2026 to 2027 and spread his remaining wages (€3.2 million) over three years, but he refused this option.

Basic also turned down a loan move from Çaykur Rizespor, as he doesn’t fancy playing in the Turkish Super Lig.

Tags Basic Caykur Rizespor Çaykur Rizespor Kulübü Hajduk Hajduk Split Lazio Rizespor Serie A Toma Basic

2 Comments

  1. Well little liar

    I bet that, by reduction he means he reduced Lazio needing to pay 1.3 mil instead of 1.6 however, let’s not forget that he already got 2 months of wages for this seasons work.

    Anyway, annoying to say the least.

Comments are closed