Lazio on Alert as Leicester Defender Can Leave On Bargain Price | OneFootball

Lazio are reportedly reflecting on the opportunity to sign Leicester City defender Wout Faes, who is available on a cut price.

The Background

The 27-year-old is a Belgian centre-back with 26 senior international caps to his name. He developed his game at Anderlecht’s academy and then had experiences at Ostend and Stade Reims before signing for the Foxes in the summer of 2022.

Lazio Still Tracking Faes Wout

The Mol native was an instant hit at King Power Stadium, and has made 118 appearances in his three seasons in the East Midlands, but now looks destined to leave following the club’s relegation to the Championship after a single campaign in the Premier League. Faes has been on Lazio’s radar for quite some time now, but this could be the ideal time to sway him to the Italian capital.

Getty Images

According to Il Corriere dello Sport, the Biancocelesti are exploring the possibility of signing the Belgian defender who is available for €10 million, thanks to a release clause that came into effect following Leicester’s relegation. This could be a bargain deal for Lazio, especially since Transfermarkt estimates the player’s value at €20 million.

The Salary Knot

However, the source notes that Wout’s salary could represent a serious obstacle, as his current wages are in the region of €3 million per year. Nevertheless, the management could find a formula that allows them to spread the costs over a five-year contract.

Lazio’s Current Centre-Back Crew

The Roman newspaper adds that Lazio are in dire need of fresh faces at the back, especially with Alessio Romagnoli, Patric and Samuel Gigot all on the wrong side of 30. So if the club ends up selling Mario Gila, the inexperienced Oliver Provstgaard would be the only remaining centre-back at the club under the age of 30.