Done Deal: Lazio Midfielder Signs for Venezia After Lotito Snub

Toma Basic will leave Lazio for good after finding an agreement with newly-promoted Serie A club, Venezia.

The Background

The Croatian joined the Bianconcelesti in the summer of 2021, completing a transfer from Bordeaux. But after struggling for playing time, he spent the second half of the 2023/24 season on loan at Salernitana. He then rejoined the club in the 2024/25 campaign, but didn’t make any appearances under Marco Baroni.

This season, Basic made a sensational return to prominence under Maurizio Sarri. After starting the campaign outside the Serie A list, he took advantage of an injury crisis not only to earn a place in the squad but also to cement himself as a key player for the club.

Toma Basic Decides to Leave Lazio After Contract Standoff

The 29-year-old’s revival was supposed to be rewarded with a contract renewal. But after reaching an agreement in principle with the player’s entourage in January, Lazio decided to put the negotiations on ice, prompting the midfielder to open a dialogue with Venezia.

Lazio president Claudio Lotito. learned about negotiations with the Serie B champions. During Pedro’s post-match farewell party at the Stadio Olimpico, the patron was seen blaming Basic for making a ‘hasty’ move, suggesting that the management was willing to present him with an official offer. Nevertheless, the player shunned the Italian senator, walking away in disgust.

Basic Signs Three-Year Contract with Venezia

According to several sources in the Italian media, including Gianluca Di Marzio and Alfredo Pedulla, Basic has already reached a full agreement with Venezia. Di Marzio believes a three-year contract has already been signed.

The accord includes a one-year extension clause hinging on avoiding relegation. Therefore, if the Venetians secure their stay in Serie A at the end of the 2026/27 campaign, the contract’s deadline will be pushed back to 2030.