Napoli outcast Giovanni Simeone is open to joining fierce Serie A rivals Lazio at the end of the season to reunite with his former coach Igor Tudor. According to Gazzetta dello Sport (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), the Croatian manager has requested the Argentine’s arrival after assuming the managerial reins from Maurizio Sarri.
Simeone has been Victor Osimhen’s understudy at Napoli after completing his move from Hellas Verona in 2022. Most of his 31 competitive appearances this season have come off the bench. But a paltry return of only three goals has failed to impress club chief Aurelio De Laurentiis.
The Napoli bigwig is willing to cash in on the 28-year-old. However, he’ll likely ask for up to €20 million to sanction Simeone’s departure. De Laurentiis’ asking price, combined with the player’s €1.7m annual wages, could put Lazio off. Yet, Tudor is keen to work with Cholito again after the pair enjoyed their time together at Marc’Antonio Bentegodi.
With Napoli preparing for a squad overhaul on the back of a catastrophic title-defending campaign, Simeone could be among the first underachieving stars to be set free. On the other hand, Lazio must replace the outgoing captain, Ciro Immobile, who seems destined to leave the Stadio Olimpico.
Immobile turned down several lucrative approaches from Saudi Arabia last summer. But he has quickly come to regret that decision. He has fallen out of favor with the Lazio faithful and is now desperate to flee the capital. Simeone could be his hair if Tudor’s side can find common ground with Napoli.
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