Basic: "Hajduk Did Everything They Could, But It Was President Lotito Who Refused The Deal And Prevented Me From Leaving."

Lazio midfielder Toma Basic has expressed frustration over his failed transfer back to Hajduk Split, blaming club president Claudio Lotito for blocking the move.

Basic was eager to return to his former club, Hajduk Split, but claims that Lotito refused to let the transfer go through. Although the summer transfer window has closed in Italy, Lazio can still move unwanted players to countries with open markets like Turkey and Greece. However, Croatia’s window has already shut, which has impacted Basic's plans for a return.

The 27-year-old midfielder was reportedly close to rejoining Hajduk Split but the deal fell through. In a recent interview, he shared his disappointment, stating he was even willing to accept a pay cut, but Lotito denied the offer.

"Hajduk did everything they could, but it was President Lotito who refused the deal and prevented me from leaving. That’s the only reason I’m not going back to Croatia," Basic explained in an interview with LaLazioSiamoNoi.

"I had already agreed to give up part of my salary, but the decision was made by the president, and there’s nothing I can do. Of course, I’m disappointed and still want to play for Hajduk, but it’s not possible this time."

Basic, who joined Lazio in 2021 from Bordeaux, has struggled to secure a regular spot in the team. After spending the latter half of last season on loan at Salernitana, he returned to Lazio but is not part of coach Marco Baroni’s plans, having been left out of both the Serie A and Europa League squads.