Official: Lazio Sign Alfonso Pedraza on a Free Transfer | OneFootball

Lazio have completed the signing of Alfonso Pedraza on a free transfer after his Villarreal contract expired.

The club said in a statement on Friday that the 30-year-old has agreed a deal until June 2029 and will join Gennaro Gattuso’s squad for the start of pre-season.

His arrival had been expected since January, when he signed a pre-contract with the capital side. Sporting director Angelo Fabiani confirmed the agreement months ago, and it was made official only after his Villarreal deal had run its course.

A Villarreal academy graduate, Pedraza reached the first team in 2016 and took in loans at Leeds United, Alaves and Real Betis.

From 2020 he became a regular for Villarreal and a dressing-room leader. He bowed out after a warm send-off, totalling 235 first-team appearances with 13 goals and 29 assists.

With no European football for the second season running, Lazio will not carry three left-backs. Either Nuno Tavares or Luca Pellegrini will be sold this summer, with Pellegrini considered likelier to leave unless the Portuguese international attracts an enticing offer.

Source: The Laziali