Lazio are reportedly planning to part ways with Daniel Maldini at the end of the season, unless the obligation to buy is triggered.
The Background
The 24-year-old was one of five players who joined the Biancocelesti during the mid-season revamp. He joined the Italian capital side on loan from Atalanta for €1m million with an option to buy for another €14m that could turn into an obligation only in case of European qualification.
Lazio sporting director Angelo Fabiani identified him as the right profile to act as Mattia Zaccagni’s understudy on the left wing, but Maurizio Sarri has instead entrusted him with the centre-forward role. However, the versatile attacker has only managed to score two goals since his arrival, including Monday’s last-gasp equalizer against Udinese.
Lazio Not Planning to Buy Daniel Maldini
According to Il Corriere dello Sport, Lazio have opted against purchasing Maldini at the end of the season, preferring to preserve these funds to buy a more prolific striker, especially since fellow January signing Petar Ratkov has yet to break into Maurizio Sarri’s rotation, and neither Tijjani Noslin nor Boulaye Dia has been able to score consistently.
Only Coppa Italia Triumph Would Keep Maldini at Lazio
Il Messaggero (via Lazio Siamo Noi) also confirms the club’s stance on Maldini, whose future now directly depends on the outcome of the Coppa Italia final. Should the Aquile beat Inter Milan, they will secure their place in Europe next season (particularly in the Europa League), which would activate the club’s obligation to buy the Italian international from Atalanta.
On the other hand, if Lazio fail to qualify for Europe, they are unlikely to exercise their option to buy Maldini, who would thus return to Bergamo, where he still has a contract until 2029.
