In the summer of shocking managerial changes, unexpected appointments have become the norm. For tactical (and perhaps political) reasons, few would have expected to see Maurizio Sarri making his return to the bench from the gate of Lazio. And yet, president Claudio Lotito found some sense in it. Therefore, the former Napoli and Juventus tactician will be expected to ring some changes in order to create a squad suitable for his his own unique playing style.
So let’s see who are the five Lazio players that Sarri should sell before brining in his “own” men to the capital.
Thomas Strakosha (Goalkeeper)
The Albanian shot-stopper has been at the club for nine years, but perhaps the writing is on the wall for him.
The 26-year-old was considered to be one of the best developing goalkeepers in Italy a year ago, but he ended up sitting on the bench throughout the last campaign in favor of Pepe Reina.
With the Spanish veteran now set to be reunited with his former Napoli coach, Strakosha’s chances at the club are getting worse.
The Biancocelesti would do well to sell him before the expiry of his contract in 2022, whilst the player needs to get some regular playing-time before he becomes an afterthought.
Lazio's Thomas #Strakosha has admitted that he dreams of playing in the Premier League. The Albanian goalkeeper has fallen behind Pepe Reina at the Stadio Olimpico, playing only 8 times for #Lazio this season. The 26-year-old's contract will expires in 2022.#SerieATIM #Football pic.twitter.com/BCy3k1tW6u
— The Counter Attack (@TheCounterAtta3) March 30, 2021
Patric (Center Back)
Yet another player whose contract will expire twelve months later. The defender left Barcelona’s second team in 2015, joining the Roman club.
However, it just might be the right time to admit that the Spaniard’s development didn’t go according to plan.
The 28-year-old mostly produces unconvincing performances at the back, and the club would do well to put their faith in other players.
Read More – Five Players That Juventus Should Sell in The Summer Transfer Market
Mohamed Fares (Left Wingback)
After entertaining the Serie A crowds at Verona and Spal, the French-Algerian had a forgettable first season in the eternal city.
Additionally, with Sarri set to the take the reigns at Lazio, natural wingbacks are expected to suffer whilst trying to adjust to his 4-3-3 (or 4-3-1-2) lineup.
Whilst Manuel Lazzari’s importance to the team means that the tactician could be forced to find him a position on the pitch, Fares might not be as lucky.
Read More – Five Roma Players That Mourinho Should Sell in The Summer Transfer Market
Lucas Leiva (Defensive Midfielder)
The former Liverpool man has been acting as the shield in front of the defense since joining the club in 2017.
However, the 34-year-old has been (naturally) showing signs of slowing down, and is currently suffering to maintain his physical level for the entire 90 minutes.
On another note, Sarri prefers to deploy a deep-lying playmaker (Regista) rather than a ball-winner in front of the defense, which could spell more difficulty for the Brazilian.
The Gazzetta dello sport claims Igli Tare is looking at Spezia's Matteo Ricci to step in for Lucas Leiva next season. #Leiva #Ricci #Spezia #Lazio #Tare pic.twitter.com/QgFZimb3sX
— LazioLand (@Lazio_Land) April 28, 2021
Vedat Muriqi (Center Forward)
The capital club spent the entirety of the last summer transfer market chasing the former Fenerbahce striker, but he ended up suffering from a miserable seasons under Simone Inzaghi.
Moreover, the towering Kosovan is not exactly Sarri’s type of strikers, as we all remember how he froze Mario Mandzukic out of the Juventus squad.
Felipe Caicedo might even be in the same boat, but Muriqi still has some transfer value attached to his name, and could offer the Biancocelesti a decent revenue if they sell him before its too late.
Maurizio #Sarri Will Decide the Future of Vedat #Muriqi at Pre-Season Camp https://t.co/1Aq3CnLePf
— The Laziali (@The_Laziali) June 13, 2021