Lazio Stalwart Reaches Verbal Agreement With Balotelli’s UAE Club

Lazio and Patric could be about to end their 11-year collaboration, with the defender closing in on a move to Al-Ittifaq.

The Background

The 33-year-old is a Barcelona youth product who made the move to the Italian capital club in 2015. The centre-back went on to make 244 appearances for the Biancocelesti, but his tally would have been larger if it wasn’t for his recurring injury problems.

In fact, Gennaro Gattuso wasn’t able to rely on the veteran in pre-season, which prompted the decision to drop him from his Serie A squad list alongside Luca Pellegrini. The club left two spots vacant, and one was later filled by Diogo Leite’s late arrival.

Lazio Aiming to Offload Patric in the Coming Days

According to Il Messaggero, Lazio are keen to sell Patric before September 30, when they’ll be expected to present their financial statement for the second half of the year. These figures will serve as the basis to determine whether the club will be allowed to operate on the market in January, as the risk of a transfer ban (or another net-zero market) persists.

Lazio Looking to Ditch Patric’s Salary

Patric’s age and expiring contract (June 2027) mean he’s unlikely to generate a relevant transfer fee. But as the Roman newspaper explains, the defender’s sale would allow the Aquile to save €3.5 million in gross salary.

Patric Could Join Mario Balotelli at Al-Ittifaq

While Il Messaggero only mentions that the player has received an offer from a Dubai-based club, Il Corriere dello Sport identifies Patric’s suitor as Al-Ittifaq, an ambitious side that plays in UAE’s second division. The club is currently coached by former Juventus defender Paolo Montero, and its ranks include former Serie A stars, Mario Balotelli and Douglas Costa.

Patric Agrees Terms With Al-Ittifaq?

CdS believes the Spanish defender already has an agreement in principle with Al-Ittifaq, who will try to conclude the operation before the Emirati transfer market closes on Monday. Therefore, the parties will try to finalise the deal in the next 48 hours or so.