Lazio have made swift progress in their attempts to recruit Ajax midfielder Kenneth Taylor, who would fill in for Matteo Guendouzi.
Lazio Need a New Midfielder to Replace Matteo Guendouzi
The Serie A clubs has agreed to sell the French midfielder to Fenerbahce on a deal worth €30 million. The former Arsenal and Marseille star will remain at Maurizio Sarri’s disposal at least for Wednesday’s clash against Fiorentina, allowing the management some time to find a replacement.
As reported earlier on Wednesday, the Biancocelesti put together a four-man shortlist that includes Giovanni Fabbian, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Lazar Samardzic. But while Taylor was initially considered an outsider, he has suddenly emerged as the favorite to join Sarri’s ranks.
Lazio Close to Securing the Services of Kenneth Taylor
According to famous transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano, Lazio are in advanced talks with Ajax to sign the 23-year-old midfielder, who is keen to join the Italian capital side. The source adds that the negotiations are progressing at a fast pace.
🚨🔵⚪️ Lazio are in advanced talks with Ajax to sign Kenneth Taylor as new midfielder, negotiations underway.
Deal advancing fast with Taylor keen on the move to Lazio.
He’s the main name to replace Mattéo Guendouzi, set to join Fenerbahçe. pic.twitter.com/uqInlSipte
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 7, 2026
Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla also reports that the talks between the two clubs are at an advanced stage, as the parties could soon settle on a transfer fee of €15 million, in addition to €2-3 million in bonuses.
Taylor Gave the Green Light for Lazio Move
Finally, reliable Lazio insider Damiano Er Faina confirms that the Aquile are indeed close to securing an accord with the Amsterdam-based giants for Taylor, who has already accepted Lazio’s proposal.
Taylor’s Role & Stats
Taylor is a youth product of Ajax and has been a member of the first team since 2020. The left-footed midfielder can occupy several positions in the middle of the park, but mostly operates in the box-to-box role.
This season, the Dutchman made 19 appearances in all competitions, contributing with two goals and four assists. He also earned five caps with the Netherlands’ first team since debuting in 2022.
This is okay. He’s a carbon copy of Guendo but much younger with a higher ceiling. Lotito is viewing this year as a rebuild. I doubt Lazio makes the top 6.
6? I would be surprised if we finish top8
Hahaha 12 more likely. Ni Italian clubs will sell to Lotito bc he always fucks them in some way so instead we have to gamble with non serie A players in January. Not smart
This is a purely average player. Nothing special. I live in the Netherlands and see him play regularly. He will not make Lazio any better. And I think €15 million plus bonuses is far too much for a player like this. Many Ajax supporters are happy that he is leaving. I don’t think we, as Lazio, should be pursuing players like this.