Ilic saga drags on: Torino’s €16m gamble yet to pay off as Lazio circle | OneFootball

The Ivan Ilic story continues to frustrate Torino. The Serbian midfielder, once a prized signing, has yet to deliver the level of performance expected after such a significant investment.

Signed for over €16 million, one of the most expensive deals of the Urbano Cairo era, Ilic was brought in at the specific request of Ivan Juric, who had already worked with him at Verona.

GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY – JUNE 16: Bukayo Saka of England and Ivan Ilic of Serbia during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Serbia and England at Arena AufSchalke on June 16, 2024 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

The move became permanent in the summer of 2023, but since then he has struggled to show his quality with any consistency.

Torino close to Ilic departure after gamble fails to pay off

Torino even came close to selling him twice: most notably to Spartak Moscow, with an agreement in place that would have allowed the club to recover their initial outlay with profit. Both deals, however, ultimately fell through.

This season has brought little improvement. Ilic’s form remains underwhelming, and he is no longer considered untouchable, though Torino would only consider a sale for a substantial offer.

iTURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 21: Kamaldeen Sulemana of Atalanta BC evades a challenge from Ivan Ilic of Torino FC during the Serie A match between Torino FC and Atalanta BC at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on September 21, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Chris Ricco/Getty Images)

Lazio have shown interest once again, with Maurizio Sarri still a long-time admirer of the midfielder, but no negotiations are currently active.

To make matters worse, Ilic has now picked up an injury while on international duty with Serbia, adding another obstacle to an already disappointing spell in Turin.