Lazio Following Young Schalke Full-Back With Expiring Contract | OneFootball

Lazio are reportedly tracking Vitalie Becker, a young left-back who rose through the ranks of FC Schalke 04.

Lazio Interested in Vitalie Becker

According to Sky Sport Italia journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, the Biancocelesti are interested in the 21-year-old, who played an important role in the German club’s promotion to the Bundesliga last season. The youngster contributed with two goals and an assist in his 21 league appearances.

Becker’s International Options & Playing Role

The Bottrop native has German and Russian passports, but he currently represents his native country on the international stage, having earned caps with Germany’s U17, U19 and U20 teams. Becker originally plays at left-back, but can feature in a more advanced role on the flank thanks to his attacking potency. He has also occasionally played on the left side of a three-man backline.

Becker Unlikely to Join Lazio This Summer

Di Marzio admits that an immediate transfer remains complicated, as Lazio would have to strike an accord with Schalke. But with the player’s contract expiring in June 2027, Angelo Fabiani might be able to secure his services for free next summer.

Lazio’s Left-Back Options

It should be noted that the Biancocelesti already have an abundance of options at left-back, having signed Alfonso Pedraza on a free transfer from Villarreal. Therefore, the club is expected to offload either Luca Pellegrini or Nuno Tavares, as Gennaro Gattuso certainly doesn’t need three options for the same role in the absence of European football.

But if Tavares and Pellegrini are both sold, then perhaps Lazio will be able to buy Becker this summer, albeit it remains an improbable scenario.