Sarri Only Wants to Keep Two of Five Out-of-Contract Lazio Players

Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri is keen to maintain the services of Toma Basic and Adam Marusic, who are both running on expiring contracts.

Pedro, Matias Vecino & Elseid Hysaj Set to Leave Lazio

The Biancocelesti currently have five first-time players who can become free agents in June. Nevertheless, Pedro has already taken himself out of the equation, admitting that this will be his final campaign at Formello.

Moreover, Matias Vecino and Elseid Hysaj are no longer considered regular starters, so they will most likely be allowed to leave at the end of the season.

Maurizio Sarri Determined to Keep Adam Marusic & Toma Basic

On the other hand, Il Corriere dello Sport reports that Sarri has already asked the management to find agreements with Basic and Marusic, as he doesn’t want to lose two players who have been absolutely crucial to his plans this term.

Why Sarri Wants to Maintain Lazio Duo

The Croatian midfielder is currently enjoying a sensational comeback after spending more than a year on the shelf. The 29-year-old was reintegrated into the Serie A squad in September due to a ravaging injury crisis in midfield, and is now considered the holder of a regular starting berth, at least prior to the rumored arrival of a January signing (potentially Ivan Ilic).

As for Marusic, he has been Sarri’s first undisputed first choice at full-back, leaving Manuel Lazzari, Luca Pellegrini and Nuno Tavares vying for a spot on the opposite side of the pitch.

However, the source warns that Lazio’s tranfer ban will only be partially lifted in the coming weeks, so the management will be forced to remain within zero-cost parameters. Therefore, the players’ new contract cannot include a pay rise, unless the club raises fresh funds through departures.

The Figures & Stances

The report believes this shouldn’t be an issue for Basic, who earns a net salary €1.6 million, while his gross salary is just over €2 million thanks to the advantages of the now-abolished Growth Decree.

However, Marusic might be reluctant to accept a one-year deal with the same salary of €1.7 million, especially following Claudio Lotito’s U-turn on their agreement last summer.