Simone Inzaghi’s Old Pupil Dreaming of Sensational Lazio Return

By Michel Sakr - 12 May 2025, 17:03

ROME, ROMA - JULY 04: Lazio head coach Simone Inzaghi and Balde Diao Keita of SS Lazio during the SS Lazio Training Session on July 4, 2017 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi/Getty Images)

Former Lazio attacker Keita Balde Diao has suddenly emerged as a potential reinforcement for the Biancocelesti squad ahead of the upcoming campaign.

The Background

The 30-year-old started his career at Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy before being poached by the Italian capital side in 2011. The versatile forward initially started with the Primavera squad before getting his big breakthrough with the first team in the 2012/13 campaign.

The Rise & Fall

Keita Balde reached the pinnacle of his career during Simone Inzaghi’s first full season at the helm (2016/17), scoring 16 goals and providing four assists in 31 Serie A appearances. However, the Senegal international refused to sign a new contract and ended up joining Monaco in the summer of 2017 on a deal worth €30 million.

Nevertheless, Balde was never able to replicate his Lazio exploits anywhere else, with his once promising career fading into mediocrity. He had uneventful spells at Inter Milan, Sampdoria, Cagliari and Espanyol among others, and has been playing his football at Monza since February. The Senegalese has thus far scored two goals in nine Serie A appearances.

Keita Balde Dreaming of Lazio Return

But as La Lazio Siamo Noi explains, the striker’s contract with the Biancorossi will expire at the end of the season, and he’s unlikely to accompany his teammates to Serie B. The source claims that the player is still dreaming of a return to Formello, the only club he truly considered his home.

The report also lists a few factors that might prompt the Lazio management to at least reflect on the matter. For instance, Balde is a youth product of the club, so he wouldn’t occupy a place on the Serie A squad list. Moreover, his versatility could come in handy, as he would add depth to the attacking department.

Why Lazio Could Consider Bringing Back Keita Balde

The source also notes that the player’s agent, Alessandro Moggi, has an excellent relationship with the Lazio management. Finally, it should be mentioned that Keita Balde’s younger brother, Mahamadou Balde, is a 20-year-old striker who currently plays for the club’s Primavera squad. This season, he made a couple of appearances with the first team in the UEFA Europa League.