The Laziali
·2 December 2024
The Laziali
·2 December 2024
Lazio are reportedly set to sign Hellas Verona youngster Reda Belahyane as a midfield reinforcement in January.
The Biancocelesti have left themselves somewhat exposed in the middle of the park after parting ways with Danilo Cataldi on deadline day without finding a proper replacement. Napoli benchwarmer Michael Folorunsho was heavily linked with a return to Formello, but the deal didn’t come to fruition.
With Gaetano Castrovilli and Matias Vecino on the treatment table, and Nicolo Rovella serving a one-match suspension, Marco Baroni will have to negotiate the upcoming Serie A clash against Napoli with a depleted midfield, highlighting the need for additional depth in this department.
According to La Repubblica (via Calciomercato), Belahyane could be the answer to the club’s needs. The source claims Lazio and Verona already have an agreement on the transfer of the 20-year-old deep-lying playmaker who has become a key player in Paolo Zanetti’s system this season. The two clubs’ Presidents Claudio Lotito and Maurizio Setti share an excellent relationship.
The youngster joined the Gialloblu last January, completing a transfer from OGC Nice. He only made a couple of appearances under the tutelage of Baroni, but still credited the current Lazio boss for his development, recalling how he helped him adjust to life in Italian football.
The Morocco international would also be a perfect fit for Lazio’s squad dilemma. The Aquile have no room at all on their senior squad, but they would be able to register Belahyane on the Under-22 list, which would sort out the issue without forcing Baroni to drop any of his senior players from the squad.
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