Why Lotito Continues to Stall Contract Talks With Lazio Players | OneFootball

While Lazio were expected to open talks with several players regarding contract renewals, there haven’t been any noticeable developments on this front.

The Background

During January, club president Claudio Lotito and sporting director Angelo Fabiani were occupied with the transfer market. Therefore, all contract negotiations were delayed until February. However, the second month of the year is about to wrap up, and there haven’t been any signs of dialogue on the horizon.

Lazio Keen to Avoid Another Tranfer Ban

According to Il Messaggero (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), Lotito and Co. are purposely stalling until the end of March, when the club will present its half-yearly financial report for the supervisory committee. The hierarchy is determined to avoid any economic missteps that could result in another summer transfer ban. The directors are keen to keep their accounts settled to receive the green light to operate on the market.

Claudio Lotito (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

Lazio had succeeded in lowering their Cost-Revenue ratio below the 80% ceiling to lift the ban ahead of the January transfer window. However, the new regulations have reduced the threshold to 70%, making it even more challenging for clubs to remain in the green.

Lazio Received Major Financial Boost in January

During the winter transfer window, the Biancocelesti managed to register around €50 million in capital gains by selling Taty Castellanos and Matteo Guendouzi, and loaning Christos Mandas to Bournemouth with an option to buy. However, the club still wants to avoid additional financial burdens caused by pay raises.

Which Lazio Players Are Awaiting Contract Offers?

Adam Marusic is the only player to receive a new Lazio contract this season, but the Montenegrin’s new deal didn’t modify his salary. On the other hand, Mario Gila is expecting a considerable pay raise on his €1 million salary, and even Toma Basic is reportedly seeking an improved deal.

As for Alessio Romagnoli, he has no intention of opening talks with Lotito following Al-Sadd’s January soap opera, as he remains determined to join the Qatari club in the summer.