Lazio Identify Bologna Star as Best Profile for Luis Alberto Role | OneFootball

Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri is reportedly seeking a new midfielder with similar characteristics to Luis Alberto, with Giovanni Fabbian emerging as the best candidate for the role.

Lazio Need a New Luis Alberto

The Spanish ‘magician’ was the Biancocelesti’s main source of creativity in the middle of the park between 2016 and 2024. Since he departed for Qatar, the club has been lacking the presence of an attacking midfielder capable of adding flair and imagination to the side.

Matteo Guendouzi Could Head to Sunderland

According to Il Messaggero, signing a belated replacement for Alberto is Sarri’s first priority in January. As the source explains, Sunderland target Matteo Guendouzi could be sacrificed to boost the accounts, but the manager wouldn’t request a like-for-like replacement, as he believes he already has a competent box-to-box midfielder in Toma Basic. Instead, the 66-year-old is asking for a new playmaker.

Why Lazio Want Giovanni Fabbian

While finding a player who can fill the gap caused by Alberto’s departure won’t be easy, it appears that Lazio consider Fabbian the most suitable profile for the job.

Giovanni Fabbian (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

In addition to technical attributes, the costs of signing the Bologna man would be exempt from the financial statements presented to the supervisory committee, thanks to a new regulation that aims to encourage Serie A clubs to invest in Italian youngsters (U-23).

Fabbian’s Background & Bologna Status

The 22-year-old rose started his career at Padova before joining Inter Milan’s academy. He enjoyed his breakthrough while on loan with Serie B side Reggina in 2022/23, before sealing a transfer to Bologna the following summer.

The midfielder has made 14 appearances for the Emilian club this season, but the majority have come off the bench. Hence, he’s not considered a regular starter in Vincenzo Italiano’s team, but it remains to be seen if the club would be willing to entertain a mid-season sale.