Lazio in No Rush To Renew Defender’s Contract as Real Madrid Take New Stance | OneFootball

Lazio are reportedly keen to lock down Mario Gila with a long-term contract, and yet, they’re taking their time on this particular front.

The Background

The 24-year-old signed for the Biancocelesti in the summer of 2022, but it took him a while before he started climbing his way up the pecking order. He eventually elevated himself from a mere benchwarmer to become the club’s first-choice central defender. This season, the Spaniard has been one of the first names on Marco Baroni’s starting lineup.

Mario Gila Becomes Newest Addition to Spain

Aside from his horror show in his most recent outing against Bologna, the Barcelona native has been solid at the back. His exploits have now been rewarded with a late call-up for the Spanish national team. The centre-back has also been on the radars of several top European clubs, and chief among them his former club Real Madrid.

Real Madrid Drop Interest in Mario Gila

Gila has been heavily linked with a potential return to Santiago Bernabeu. After selling him to Lazio for €6 million, Los Merengues maintained a 50% sell-on fee which would transform into a discount if they were to re-sign him. But according to Il Messaggero (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), the European champions are no longer keen to recruit the Biancocelesti defender.

Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

As the source explains, Madrid are enjoying the rise of young defender Raul Asencio who managed to fill the gap at the back. Therefore, Gila’s services might no longer be required at Carlo Ancelotti’s court, which means Lazio can serenely work on extending his contract which expires in 2027 without having to worry about the Spanish giants lurking in the background.

When Lazio & Gila Will Resume Contract Talks

The two parties are reportedly in constant contact, but concrete negotiations will likely start towards the end of the season, as the management would like to keep all the players primarily focused on the pitch at this decisive stage of the campaign.