AC Milan have identified Lazio defender Mario Gila as one of the main targets ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.
The Background
The 25-year-old has been with the Biancocelesti since making the move from Real Madrid in 2022. Following a lengthy settlement period, he has now emerged as one of the most sought-after centre-backs in Italian football.
Although he’s been enduring a bumpy campaign, the Spaniard showcased his true worth in his Man-of-the-Match performance against Sassuolo on Monday.
Why Mario Gila is Destined to Leave Lazio
Unfortunately for Lazio, Gila’s departure appears to be inevitable, as there haven’t been any concrete developments regarding the player’s contract extension. The defender’s current deal is set to expire in June 2027, and he remains one of the lowest earners in the first team, with a salary just above €1 million.
It has been reported that Lazio didn’t even bother proposing a new contract to Gila and his entourage, because Claudio Lotito and Angelo Fabiani were fully aware that the answer would be negative. Therefore, most observers believe that a summer sale is almost inescapable.
Milan Making Plans for Gila
According to Il Corriere dello Sport (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), Milan are already plotting a move for the Barcelona native. The club’s sporting director, Igli Tare, was the one who brought Gila to Lazio in 2022, and he would like to acquire his services once more.
The Figures & Clauses
The Roman newspaper adds that the Rossoneri are hoping to close the deal at €15 million. While this relatively low figure doesn’t fully reflect the player’s value, his expiring contract could force the Aquile to grant discounts; otherwise, they risk losing him for free a year later.
To make matters worse for the Biancocelesti, they will only collect half of the transfer fee, as the player’s former employers, Real Madrid, possess a 50% sell-on fee.
Just give him the same amount as Zaccagni we can’t lose a player of this magnitude:(
As great as Gila is, he is sadly not part of the rebuild. Gila has dropped subtle hints that he’d like to compete in Europe and a higher level.
Lazio is flirting with another transfer ban and will need to recoup as many funds as possible.
The best course of action will be to sell Gila for as much as they can get, and buy low on an up and coming prospect. Provstgaard will be leading the line next season, and they should focus on finding a player that will compliment him.
This will be another massive hit for the squad for the next season. Because due to sustainability 70% rule Lazio can only use 70% of revenue for first team expenses. So If Gila is sold for €15m to Milan, Lazio will get only €7,5m + €1m wage… You can use €6m – €8,5m to get a direct replacement. What kind of defender can you buy for that amount of money? Either an aging veteran who’s free agent (salary + sign bonus) or inexperienced youngster (transfer fee + lower wage).
The next season’s squad will be even worse than this one. Whole starting 11 will be under €100m in value 🙁
Primavera doesn’t produce any worthy material (Furlanetto is 3 years with the first team without a single match), there is no shirt sponsor, stadium will be empty till the end of the season so match revenue go massively down, no UEFA bonuses from Europa league, nothing. Next season’s budget will be on par with Lecce or Cagliari.
You’re 100% correct. Lazio (and the Italian youth system) has been in a decline for years. Lazio’s best case scenario will be to recoup as many losses as possible. Winning the Coppa Italia would be great as this will generate a bit of income and a bonus for the EL.
In the meantime, due to Lotito’s incompetence, Lazio will need to downsize financially. Their scouts should be looking abroad at the up and coming nations like Swiss, Norway, etc. for cheap young talent with his upside.
We should all temper expectations for next season. On paper, Lazio will be mid table.
Only 15 millions for him, what a joke, it’s worth at least twice as much.
Especially to sell it to a competitor.
With Lotito, Lazio is doomed to be stuck in this bad cycle. He never put effort in scout and youth academy, and just get used to gambling on cheap solutions. I feel sympathy to Gila, I don’t want him to leave, but to be fair, Lazio cannot deprive him of his well deserved salary.