Summer 24/25 Transfer Recap: Lazio's Key Departures And New Additions As They Navigate A Transformative Period

As the summer transfer window comes to a close, it's time to reflect on Lazio's activity, which saw the departure of several key players and the arrival of lesser-known talents. Last season, in sharp contrast to the 22-23 campaign where Lazio finished second, left fans feeling disappointed and disillusioned with the club. On June 14, 2024, Biancoceleste supporters gathered to express their dissatisfaction with both the management and the president. Protest banners included messages like "Deliver us from evil" and "At Lazio, only two things matter: Claudio Lotito and Claudio Lotito." One banner, capturing the mood perfectly, declared: "Rome has seen the fall of popes, emperors, kings... other tyrants will fall, it's just a matter of time. Nothing against Baroni, everyone against Lotito."

The unrest among Lazio fans was triggered by a turbulent season, especially after the March 12, 2024, loss to Udinese (2-1), which led to the resignation of Maurizio Sarri and his coaching staff. Following the international break, Lazio appointed Igor Tudor as head coach, with a contract running until 2025 and an option for an additional year.

As the season ended, Lazio faced numerous challenges, including the need to address expiring player contracts. They needed to find a new club for Luis Alberto, secure Kamada's stay, and navigate the unexpected departure of Igor Tudor. Just before the transfer market opened, Tudor’s contract was terminated, a decision driven by President Lotito. Marco Baroni, who outpaced competitors like Klose, Rocchi, and Gilardino, was officially named Lazio's new coach. In a surprising turn, Daichi Kamada was released due to disagreements over a termination clause, and Luis Alberto joined Al-Duhail, bringing in €11 million for the Biancoceleste. These drastic changes occurred before the transfer window even began.

Lazio's defense also saw changes: Sepe returned to Salernitana, where he remains captain, and Nicolò Casale moved to Bologna on a €1.4 million loan with a €6.5 million buyout option. In terms of incoming transfers, Lazio signed Nuno Tavares from Arsenal, who left Nottingham Forest to join the Baroni-coached side on loan with an €8 million buy option. Additionally, Lazio secured Samuel Gigot from Marseille.

In midfield, Lazio underwent significant changes, losing key players like Kamada to Crystal Palace and Luis Alberto after seven seasons, creating a need to replace these high-caliber talents. Danilo Cataldi also departed, joining Fiorentina on a loan with a €4 million buy option. Lazio's incoming midfield reinforcements included Fisayo Dele Bashiru for €6 million and Gaetano Castrovilli on a free transfer. Rumored pursuits of Folorunsho, Samardzic, and Carlos Alcaraz did not materialize into advanced negotiations. Felipe Anderson, despite links to Juventus, eventually joined Palmeiras.

After eight seasons, 340 appearances (including 15 derbies), and 207 goals, Ciro Immobile bid farewell to the club that had been a significant part of his career. The decision to part ways was driven by the need for both the club and the captain to refresh the attacking lineup. On July 14, 2024, Ciro Immobile's transfer to Besiktas was made official, with the striker signing a two-year contract worth €6 million per season. Lazio received €3 million as a transfer fee.

Lazio's attack saw multiple new signings. Coach Baroni welcomed Tijjani Noslin, who joined from Verona for €15 million, with a five-year contract worth €1.5 million per season. Tchaouna was also signed for €8 million, with 40% of the fee going to Loum instead of Salernitana. The addition of Boulaye Dia further strengthened Baroni's attacking options; after a definitive break with Salernitana, Dia joined Lazio on loan with an €11 million purchase obligation, marking another complex transfer deal between the two clubs.

Only time will tell whether Claudio Lotito and Angelo Fabiani’s decisions will yield success.