Lazio midfielder Toma Basic is reportedly close to finding a full agreement with Venezia, who have been promoted to Serie A.
Toma Basic Set to Leave Lazio After Lotito’s U-Turn
The 29-year-old is currently running on an expiring contract, so, as things stand, he is free to sign for any new club. The Croatian had been on the shelf in recent years, but he pulled off a remarkable career revival this season, taking advantage of an injury crisis in September to climb his way up the ranks. Maurizio Sarri named him as Lazio’s most important player in the first half of the season.
Basic and his entourage held talks with the Lazio hierarchy in the middle of the campaign. The former Bordeaux star had reportedly accepted the club’s contract renewal offer. However, he never heard back from Claudio Lotito and company, who have apparently changed their mind. So barring a late twist, Basic will soon become a free agent.
Venezia Close to Securing Basic on Free Transfer
According to Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla, Basic has several offers on the table from Italy and abroad, but Venezia have emerged as the favorites after making what could be a decisive push in the last hours.
The Venetians won the Serie B title, and they’re looking to bolster Giovanni Stroppa’s ranks with profiles worthy of the top flight. The source believes the two parties are close to reaching an agreement on personal terms.
Basic at Lazio: Background & Stats
The Croatian midfielder would thus end a five-year stint at Lazio. He joined the club in the summer of 2021 following a positive experience at Bordeaux. His spell with the Biancocelesti also included a six-month loan at Salernitana between January and June 2024.
The Zagreb native made 95 appearances for the Aquile, scoring four goals and providing five assists. Saturday’s Serie A contest against Pisa could be his last in Lazio colors, alongside several other players, including Pedro, who will retire from the sport.
Good for him…never been proud of a lad like u basic..get the hell out of here..u cant be disrespected and still remain here.
Basic played pretty well this season in a team struggling. After not playing for Lazio for two whole seasons.
I’m not a fully certain if what I’m going to say is entirely true, what I remember though. Lazio couldn’t offer him a new contract until january.
Somewhere around february I believe the news hit that Lazio needed to show their improved financial situation, in order to avoid another potential transfer embargo. With Basic being 29 years old and having barely played football at a decent level, he wouldn’t bump squad value all too much. While an improved deal would bring up the already too high wages.
So for Lazio not extending his contract, isn’t all too crazy. For an organisation that wants to avoid future sanctions and want to try to get this club healthy. That being said, it’s still Lotito so I doubt we’re going to see a coach and transfer strategy that all align well. While he probably treated Basic poorly as well.
I respect everyone opinion but he is good player in the middle and very strong foot too solid player to be honest i prefer him to stay