Italian forward Lorenzo Insigne is keen to join Lazio on a free transfer, but he’ll have to accept some sacrifices to push the deal through.
The Background
The 34-year-old was born and raised in Naples, and went on to become one of Napoli’s most celebrated stars, representing the first team between 2012 and 2022. Nevertheless, the winger arguably enjoyed his peak when Maurizio Sarri was in charge between 2015 and 2018, so the two men still share a solid bond.
Lorenzo Insigne Only Wants Lazio
Therefore, Insigne has been hoping to reunite with his old mentor since making his return to Italy this summer following an underwhelming three-year spell at Toronto FC. The Euro 2020 winner even turned down offers from Udinese and Parma, as he continues to hold out for Lazio who haven’t been able to sign any new players this summer due to the transfer ban imposed by COVISOC.
According to Il Corriere dello Sport (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), Insigne’s agent, Andrea D’Amico, has already held talks with Lazio president Claudio Lotito, and a new meeting is expected to ensue following the patron’s return from Cortina, where the two parties will engage in detailed talks over the contract and salary.
Insgine Must Accept Two Conditions
As the Roman newspaper explains, the Napoli legend must be willing to accept two key conditions for the transfer to materialize. First, he might have to accept a wage cut as the Aquile are navigating challenging circumstances and must maintain a delicate financial balance, taking into account the 80% revenue/expense ratio.
How Much is Insigne Willing to Wait for Lazio?
Second, Lazio won’t be able to register Insigne before January, as most sources confirm, so the latter must be willing to endure free agency for another four months. The report also expects the Italian capital side to offer the forward a contract until the end of the season, with an option for another year.
That is an extremely poor offer – you can’t play for half a year, hope you have savings. But then we give you a contract for another half a year, but for significantly less than you would want and then maybe, just maybe… if you overperform (at 34 with with 7 months of individual training only) we might keep you for another year but for that low wage. You have to be insane to accept this…