Lazio and Nuno Tavares could split paths this summer due to several factors, at least if the right opportunity presents itself.
The Background
The Portuguese international joined the Italian capital side in the summer of 2024, and he was off to a brilliant start, producing eight assists in as many Serie A fixtures. However, his momentum was derailed by injuries.
Last season, the left-back lost his starting berth after a series of poor displays and howlers at the back. Maurizio Sarri preferred the more defensively disciplined Luca Pellegrini, although Tavares later regained his place in the lineup.
Three Factors Could Push Nuno Tavares Out of Lazio
According to Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla, the former Arsenal man risks starting his campaign on the bench, as Gennaro Gattuso will likely hand Alfonso Pedraza an immediate starting role after joining the club on a free transfer from Villarreal.
Moreover, Pedulla mentions a ‘complicated’ relationship between the Lisbon native and the Lazio hierarchy, which could also push him out the door, in addition to his recurring physical issues. He has already picked up his first knock of the season and missed the club’s first two friendlies against Lazio U20 and Flaminia.
Tavares Linked With Three Suitors
The source recalls how Tavares was linked with several clubs earlier in the summer. However, Besiktas decided to pursue other profiles, while Porto and Fiorentina have yet to make concrete progress on this front.
Arsenal Have Tavares Sell-on Fee
It should be noted that Lazio currently have three first-team left-backs in their squad, so must offload either Tavares or Pellegrini. Arsenal would certainly prefer the first option, as the Portuguese’s sale would provide them with a financial boost thanks to a 35% sell-on fee.
Very good player but Glass legs…for the right price, just let him go!
Yep, too injury prone. Sell him. We got Pelle and Pedra.
This sale should wait until January. Tavares was getting hot with Zaccagni towards the end of the season.
If he stays healthy and keeps that form, his value will skyrocket. Teams are trying to buy low on Tavares.
Pedraza has experience as an inverted LB. I wouldn’t mind seeing an experiment with him on the right and Tavares on the left.
Interesting take on Tavares value, could definitely be the difference in a few million. Than again if there are now suitors, perhaps getting him off the books would be better. He’s Lazio’s 3rd most earning player. Half a season is about 2.4 million. Especially if the Poly Market funds would stop coming in. Wage down + money into the club.
If he’s in good form though, he could definitely bring points to the club. Especially if Lazio would utilise a target man. Which based upon last season’s dreadful goalscoring, could be massive. If half way into the season Lazio is pretty much safe, selling him could be interesting.
A player who’s so often injured though, is hard to rely upon.
Would be interested to see how he does on the wing, as defending isn’t what he excels at anyway. Being a liability as a back, just making sure he’s in position to deliver crosses seems to me to be the priority.
Absolutely. At the start of last season Lotito valued him at 70m and Tavares was a nominee for top Serie A defender.
Obviously that valuation is crazy, but clubs know that Lazio is desperate. Tavares is worth more than 10-15m.
If the squad keeps thinning, and the injury bug returns, Lazio is in deep trouble…