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

Lazio have announced the capture of Alfonso Pedraza, who joins the club as a free agent after seeing out his contract with Villarreal.

The Background

The Spaniard’s arrival has been anticipated since January, when he signed a pre-contract agreement with the Italian capital side. Lazio sporting director Angelo Fabiani confirmed the deal several months ago. Nevertheless, the Biancocelesti had to wait until the 30-year-old’s contract with Villarreal expired at the end of June to officially announce the move.

Alfonso Pedraza Signs for Lazio

On Friday, the official Lazio website released a note welcoming Pedraza to the club. The left-back has signed a contract valid until June 2029.

Pedraza’s Career Path & Villarreal Stats

Pedraza is a youth product of Villarreal who was promoted to the first team in 2016. However, he had to undergo several loan spells at the likes of Leeds United, Alaves, and Real Betis before earning a prominent role at his original club.

Starting from 2020, the full-back became a regular feature for the Yellow Submarines. In recent years, he established himself as one of the locker-room leaders, so the club gave him a warm send-off at the end of the previous campaign, paying homage to his memorable spell at ‘El Madrigal’. Pedraza made 235 appearances for Villarreal’s first team, contributing with 13 goals and 29 assists.

Who Will Make Way for Pedraza at Lazio?

Amid the absence of European football for the second season in a row, Lazio surely don’t plan to accommodate three left-backs in the first team. Therefore, either Nuno Tavares or Luca Pellegrini will be sold this summer. The latter is considered the more likely option to depart, unless the Portuguese international attracts an enticing offer.