Lazio Midfielder Set to Leave in June as Lotito Makes U-Turn on Contract Renewal | OneFootball

Lazio have reportedly decided to pull out of contract negotiations with Toma Basic, who is now on his way out of the club.

The Background

The Croatian has been with the Biancocelesti since 2021, but this has arguably been his best season in the Italian capital. Although he wasn’t initially part of the squad, Maurizio Sarri turned to his services in September following a ravaging injury crisis.

The 29-year-old made the most out of his opportunity, cementing himself as an automatic starter before suffering an injury against Juventus in early February, which has ruled him out of action ever since.

Maurizio Sarri Has Been Keen to Keep Toma Basic at Lazio

Sarri had identified Basic as one of the most important players in his squad at one point, prompting the management to open negotiations with the player’s entourage. In December, it was reported that the two parties were on the verge of signing a new deal valid until 2030 with a yearly net salary of €2 million or more, but the talks suddenly halted.

Lazio Pull Out of Basic Negotiations

According to La Lazio Siamo Noi, Claudio Lotito and the rest of the hierarchy have now backtracked on their decision to keep Basic at the club. As the source explains, Lazio made the decision after considering several factors, including his ongoing physical struggles and his age.

The Aquile have been working on lowering the average age of the squad, so Basic, like fellow out-of-contract players Pedro and Elseid Hysaj, will be replaced with younger profiles.