Lazio Veteran on the Verge of Signing New Contract After Surprising U-Turn

Lazio have reportedly reached an agreement with Matias Vecino on a contract renewal following an unexpected blitz.

The Background

The 33-year-old’s current deal is set to expire at the end of the month. Over the past few weeks, most sources in the Italian press believed the two parties are heading towards a separation, especially amidst the lack of talks.

Matias Vecino Set to Renew with Lazio

But according to La Lazio Siamo Noi, the management has suddenly struck an accord with the Uruguayan who is now set to extend his contract for another year, while maintaining the same net salary of €1.9 million per year. The source expects the signatures to ensue on Thursday. Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio also confirmed ongoing talks between the two parties.

Maurizio Sarri’s Decisive Role

Vecino is a vastly experienced veteran who has been playing his football in Serie A since 2013. He first played under the tutelage of Maurizio Sarri at Empoli in the 2014/15 campaign. The two men were then reunited when the midfielder signed for Lazio on a free transfer in the summer of 2022, based on the request of the Tuscan manager.

Vecino’s Role Under Sarri

Therefore, the returning Sarri likely played an integral role in the club’s decision to hand Vecino a new deal. The returning Lazio coach had often deployed the former Fiorentina and Inter Milan player as a box-to-box midfielder, but occasionally fielded him as a deep-lying playmaker.