Done Deal – Lazio Secure Their First Summer Signing on Free Transfer

Lazio have already booked Villarreal stalwart Alfonso Pedraza for next season, as he agreed to join the club as a free agent in the summer.

The Background

The Aquile have been strongly linked with the Spaniard over the past couple of weeks, identifying him as the ideal profile to enhance their full-back department. The 29-year-old is a Villarreal youth product who has established himself as one of the club’s leaders over the years. However, the left-back is currently running on an expiring contract and has turned down all renewal offers.

Lazio Secure Agreement with Villarreal Left-Back Alfonso Pedraza

According to Italian journalist Alfredo Pedullà, Lazio and Pedraza have now reached a full accord on a summer transfer. The left-back is thus set to join the Italian capital side on a free transfer in July.

In recent days, it has also been suggested that the Biancocelesti could bring forward the player’s arrival by striking a cut-price deal with the Yellow Submarines in January. However, the source believes that a mid-season move remains unlikely, as the Spanish club considers the left-back vital to their plans.

Hence, unless Villarreal can find a replacement, they will be keen to keep the player until the end of the campaign.

Lazio Hoping to Replace Nuno Tavares with Pedraza as Early as January

Moreover, Lazio would have to make way for Pedraza’s arrival by offloading Nuno Tavares, who has been linked with a transfer to Besiktas in the past few days. Therefore, Pedullà reckons that a change of the guard in January remains possible, albeit it could only ensue towards the end of the month.

Pedraza’s Stats in 25/26

This season, Pedraza has made 21 appearances across all competitions. He scored one goal in the process and provided his teammates with three assists.