Why Lazio Could Be Forced to Sell Matteo Guendouzi to Sunderland | OneFootball

This January, Lazio might have no other option but to cash in on Matteo Guendouzi, who has a keen admirer in Sunderland.

The Background

The Italian capital side has been struggling to balance the books recently, which resulted in a disastrous transfer ban last summer. The Biancocelesti are expected to lift the ban ahead of the January transfer window, but as Il Messaggero reveals, this will only be a partial unblocking, as the club will be forced to operate at zero-cost parameters.

Lazio Laying Plans for Crucial January

Lazio sporting director Angelo Fabiani will take the opportunity to reinforce Maurizio Sarri’s squad with new additions. However, the precarious financial situation means he must focus on low-cost operations, especially initial loan deals.

Lazio Must Raise €30m in Capital Gains to Avoid Disaster

Moreover, the newspaper highlights another major concern for the club, revealing that Lazio must generate at least €25-30 million in capital gains to avoid another transfer ahead of next summer, a scenario that no fan would be willing to forgive. Therefore, selling a few players in January will be mandatory rather than optional for Claudio Lotito.

Matteo Guendouzi and Adrien Rabiot Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

In this regard, Guendouzi could be the ultimate sacrificial lamb, especially with Sunderland eager to reunite him with his former Lorient coach, Regis Le Bris. The latter even publicly admitted the club’s interest in the former Arsenal and Marseille midfielder.

Selling Matteo Guendouzi to Sunderland Could be Inevitable for Lazio

Selling one of the club’s regular starters might not sit well with Sarri, but at this point, the hierarchy will find it hard to resist a €30 million offer for the Frenchman. Lazio are also willing to part ways with Christos Mandas, Samuel Gigot, Reda Belahyane, and Nuno Tavares, but it remains to be seen if these players will be able to attract suitable offers.