ROME, ITALY - FEBRUARY 27: Thomas Strakosha of SS Lazio gives his team instructions during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and SSC Napoli at Stadio Olimpico on February 27, 2022 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Fulham Bound Goalie Strakosha Says Goodbye to Lazio

Thomas Strakosha has played his final game with Lazio as his contract runs out in June. The goalkeeper is in advanced talks to join Fulham on a free transfer. The Cottagers will be back in Premier League next season after winning the Championship.

The Albanian international bid farewell to the team’s radio (via Goal): “I wish to thank the club. I owe my growth to the management, the fans, the staff, and all my teammates from the youth system to today. I came here as a kid, and I leave as a man. All good things and have a beginning and an end, and it was a beautiful journey. I hope to fuel the ambitions of the youngsters that are in the academy since I managed to make it to the first team. Playing in the Champions League was the fulfillment of my dream.”

Strakosha will leave Lazio after ten years, where he has featured in 208 matches and kept 62 clean sheets. He had to compete for the starting job with Pepe Reina in the last two seasons. Therefore, he decided not to re-up his expiring contract. According to Sky Sport, he will pen a four-year deal with Fulham.

The Biancocelesti will look for a new shot-stopper in the summer. They covet Atalanta loanee Marco Carnesecchi, but the two sides are distant on his price tag, Corriere dello Sport informs. Sergio Rico and Granada’s Luis Maximiano are also on their radar. Reina should bolt as well and be replaced by Ivan Provedel, Il Messaggero informs.