Ciro Immobile has officially joined Besiktas from Lazio on a two-year deal, the Turkish giants confirmed on X on Saturday. After eight years at the Stadio Olimpico, the 34-year-old center-forward leaves Serie A to open a new chapter of his illustrious career.
Lazio president Claudio Lotito tried to quash speculation over Immobile’s exit earlier this week. However, the former Italy international was desperate to end his long-term association with the Biancocelesti since the tail-end of last season.
It was only a matter of time. Immobile turned down several lucrative approaches from Saudi Arabia to pledge his future to Lazio last summer. However, he soon came to regret that decision. The team’s lackluster 2023/24 campaign saw the ex-Sevilla striker fall out of favor in Rome.
After the Lazio faithful turned their backs on Immobile, there was no way back for the veteran marksman. Despite joining the race for the Italian relatively late, Besiktas overcame stiff competition from the Middle East to tie the now-former Lazio captain to a short-term deal.
“Besiktas Football Inc. have informed KAP that an agreement has been reached with the player and his club regarding the transfer of professional football player Ciro Immobile,” the Turkish club wrote in a brief statement.
Besiktas will pay Lazio roughly €3 million for Immobile’s services. Meanwhile, the player will earn around €6m per season in Istanbul. During his eight-year stint in the capital, Immobile became Lazio’s all-time top-scorer in Serie A, tallying 207 goals in 340 appearances.
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