Lazio are finally able to freely negotiate new contracts with their current players, and they certainly have some time to catch up on this particular front.
Last summer, the Biancocelesti were slapped with a transfer ban, which not only prevented them from signing new players, but also impeded their contract negotiations, as they weren’t able to pen new deals that include pay raises.
Nevertheless, Lazio gleefully announced on Tuesday that the supervisory committee has agreed to lift the ban. Therefore, Claudio Lotito and Angelo Fabiani will be able to recruit new players in January, and they can also resume their negotiations with their players, especially with those who are expecting better terms.
While Lazio won’t offer new contracts to the likes of Pedro, Elseid Hysaj and Matias Vecino, here are four stars that the management must try to tie down with new and improved deals.
Mario Gila
At this stage, this appears to be an uphill task for the hierarchy, but Lotito and Co. must not give up easily. After all, the 25-year-old is one of the most reliable defenders in Serie A, and he could even go on to compete for the World Cup next summer, at least if he earns a spot in Spain’s squad, giving Lazio fans in North America an extra incentive to purchase World Cup tickets for La Roja.
While many believe that the Barcelona native will either be sold in the summer or run down his contract, which expires in 2027, it remains to be seen if Lotito will have an ace up his sleeve.
Alessio Romagnoli
This contract saga has been dragging on for several years. It actually began when Romagnoli first signed for Lazio as a free agent in 2022. The defender agreed to a relatively modest salary (compared to his other offers) of €3 million per year, but was promised a pay raise should he help the club secure Champions League.
But despite a second-place Serie A finish in 2022/23, the former AC Milan captain is still waiting for Lotito to fulfil his promise, and has even publicly voiced his frustration with the situation last season. Hence, it remains to be seen if the ban lift will breathe new life into the negotiations.
Adam Marusic
Similar to Romagnoli’s case, Adam Marusic has been promised a higher salary for years. However, time is running out, as the Montenegrin’s contract will expire at the end of the season. Maurizio Sarri would be loath to lose the services of one of his most reliable stalwarts, but Lazio are said to be searching the market for replacements already.
Toma Basic
After completing a sensational career revival, Basic is now considered an integral part of Sarri’s plans. Therefore, the club is hoping to avoid his departure on a free transfer at the end of the season, but they’re currently offering him the same salary (€1.6 million per year), while the Croatian and his entourage are pushing for €2 million.
the contracts of Gila and Romagnoli shoukd be extended asap.