Lazio & Sarri Disagree on Midfield Plans as the Manager Wants Reunion With AC Milan Star | OneFootball

The Lazio management has identified Giovanni Fabbian as the ideal midfield signing, but Maurizio Sarri has a different opinion on the matter.

The Background

The 66-year-old was promised a new midfielder last summer, but the club wasn’t able to accommodate him due to the transfer ban. With the situation now resolved, the Biancocelesti will have to fulfil their promise to the manager during the January transfer window.

Moreover, with Matteo Guendouzi in talks to join Fenerbahçe, and Reda Belahyane giving the green light for a move to Torino, Lazio might require two new midfielders this month.

Lazio Working on Giovanni Fabbian Deal

In recent days, Fabbian emerged as the top candidate for the role, especially since his transfer fee and salary would be exempt from the Extended Labor Cost thanks to a new regulation aimed at encouraging clubs to invest in young Italians.

Giovanni Fabbian (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

The 22-year-old is an Inter Milan youth product, who joined Bologna in 2023. While he has been part of Vincenzo Italiano’s rotation, the young midfielder often starts on the bench, so he might be enticed to join Sarri’s court. But unfortunately for Fabbian, the feeling is not reciprocal, as the Lazio head coach has his doubts about the transfer.

Why Maurizio Sarri Isn’t Excited About Fabbian

According to Italian journalist Alfredo Pedullà, Sarri is not necessarily against Fabbian’s arrival, but believes that the Italy U21 international is an attacking midfielder, so his adaptation to a new role (particularly a box-to-box midfielder) could require some time, while the team needs new players who can hit the ground running.

Sarri Keen to Bring Ruben Loftus-Cheek to Lazio

The transfer market expert insists that Sarri’s favorite profile for the role remains AC Milan’s Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who worked under his tutelage during their time together at Chelsea. The Englishman is said to be open to a reunion with his old manager, but his salary (€4 million per year) remains the main hurdle.

Lazar Samardzic & Ivan Ilic Also On Sarri’s Shortlist

While the 29-year-old is at the top of Sarri’s wishlist, Atalanta’s Lazar Samardzic is right behind him, while Torino’s Ivan Ilic is considered a fallback option. The latter has been linked with a swap deal involving Belahyane.