Lazio Sporting Director Angelo Fabiani reveals why the club failed in its pursuit of Napoli wantaway Michael Folorunsho.
The Biancocelesti were tipped to add one more midfielder to the ranks before the end of the summer transfer session, with the Italy international emerging as the favourite, especially after finding himself on the outs at Antonio Conte’s court. Nevertheless, Marco Baroni’s midfield department remained intact with no new arrivals landing in Rome.
Folorunsho’s Failed Move to Lazio Explained
While unveiling new signings Boulaye Dia and Samuel Gigot (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), Fabiani was asked for an explanation regarding Folorunsho’s failed move. The 63-year-old revealed that Lazio didn’t even have a place for the 26-year-old on the squad list at the time while sympathizing with the player who was hoping to seal a return to Formello.
Folorunsho is a great guy, but he wouldn’t even have been on the list, the conditions weren’t there.
We would have considered a loan with an option to buy. But this was the only way that we could seal the deal.
Napoli thought it was right to keep him, I feel sorry for the player, I respect him on a footballing and human level.
Lazio’s Pursuit of Talented Youth
Fabiani also admitted the club was after young profiles who could have been registered on the Under-22 list while leaving the door open for January reinforcement.
We have to deal with the famous list, so we considered players born in 2002 and 2003, but the characteristics we were looking for didn’t match our needs.
The team is covered in all positions, and after all, January is just around the corner if we need new players.
We don’t operate in an inexperienced manner, but based on logic.
Well mr Fabiani, logic says if you sell your back up midfielder (Cataldi) that you shall replace him. It seems irrational to allow him to leave on deadline day and not replace him, would you agree?