Felipe Anderson Transfer Rumours: Latest News, Speculation on Lazio Star
Jan 9, 2016
Lazio's Felipe Anderson celebrates by kissing his jersey after scoring during a Serie A soccer match between Lazio and Torino in Rome's Olympic stadium, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2015. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
Manchester United have been strongly linked with a January move for Lazio's Felipe Anderson, and it has been revealed they made an initial bid for the player during the summer.
Continue for updates.
Felipe Comments on Lazio Future
Sunday, Jan. 10
"I do not know if I will stay in January," Anderson told Sky Italia (via David Manuca of Goal). "I am concentrated only on my work and doing well here. I do not know what will happen."
Lazio SD Reveals Summer Bid From United
Saturday, Jan. 9
"We have not received any offer from Manchester United this month, but we refused an offer from them on August 27 worth €50 million," Lazio sporting director Igli Tare told Sport Mediaset (h/t Goal's Stefan Coerts).
Expanding on his answer, Tare gave a reason why the Rome-based club turned down Premier League money: "We rejected United's offer because we think he will be worth much more once he really explodes."
Tare also stated some offers from the summer even exceeded as much as €100 million.
Anderson Figures Outweigh Player's Performances
The numbers quoted by Tare are tall for an attacker who has struggled to assert himself at times this season. The 22-year-old Brazilian has found the net a mere five times in Serie A action, according to WhoScored.com.
FourFourTwo's Alasdair Mackenzie believes signing Anderson would be a mistake by United. He chided the player for a "tendency to disappear in games."
At the prices Lazio are discussing, Anderson's lukewarm form is likely going to deter many other possible suitors.
Lazio Fans Protest Poor Form by Delivering 10 Bags of Manure to Training Ground
Dec 12, 2015
Roma thought they had it bad when their fans turned on them and labelled them "rabbits" earlier this month.
But a group of Lazio supporters have taken their protest a step further by dropping 10 bags of manure outside the team's training ground, reports Football Italia.
The team hasn't registered a domestic win since late October and fans gathered to protest poor performances and president Claudio Lotito.
If the kilograms of excrement weren't explicit enough, the gifts were accompanied by the message: “You want to make us drown in [expletive]. But first we want to make you eat it.”
And we thought banners on the back of planes were harsh.
Lazio's next Serie A match is against Sampdoria on Monday.
Keita Balde Diao Transfer News: Latest Rumours, Speculation on Lazio Star
Aug 18, 2015
Anderlecht's Youri Thielemans, center, battles for the ball with Lazio Roma's Keita Balde Diao during a friendly soccer match at the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium in Brussels on Sunday, July 19, 2015. (AP Photo/Francois Walschaerts)
Lazio forward Keita Balde Diao refused to commit his future to the Serie A club after scoring the crucial winner in the Biancocelesti's 1-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in Tuesday's Champions League play-off first leg.
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Keita Not Drawn on Future
Tuesday, August 18
When asked after the clash with Bayer whether he wished to depart the club, the 20-year-old Keita was not forthcoming, per Italian outlet Sport Mediaset (h/t Football Italia), saying, "Let’s talk about matters on the pitch."
According to Italian newspaper Il Tempo (h/t Aaron Flanagan in the Mirror), Premier League club Liverpool are eager to snap up the talented youngster for around €15 million (£10.6 million) as a potential Raheem Sterling replacement.
However, they may be set to face competition for the Spaniard's signature from a host of Italian clubs after he recently put in a transfer request, per Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Football Italia):
#Lazio winger Keita Balde Diao’s transfer request has reportedly alerted several Serie A clubs, with #FCIM favourites http://t.co/5kWvN17Moc
Keita showed a glimpse of his immense talent on Tuesday as he powered forward into the box, outmuscling two defenders before firing a fine finish home for the only goal of the game against Leverkusen.
His latest comments have done little to assure Lazio fans that he wants to stay at the club, and his performance against the Bundesliga outfit will only have made him more attractive to potential suitors.
Lazio Appear to Be Team on the Rise Following Impressive Serie A Season
May 31, 2015
Lazio defeated Napoli 4-2 at the Stadio San Paolo on Sunday night in an enthralling Serie A curtain-closer. The win guaranteed the capital club third place in Italy's top division for the 2014-15 season and sees them grasp a UEFA Champions League play-off spot for the new campaign.
As with any club surging from nowhere—as Lazio most certainly have done, finishing ninth in 2013-14 and spending modestly last summer—finishing the job and securing that top-tier European adventure became of paramount importance during the closing stages. Despite the admiration factor undoubtedly attached to their rise, failing to clasp third would have been disastrous for Stefano Pioli.
Why? Because Lazio now do not have to go through the pains that Southampton will this summer—the pains of falling short, then losing your best players to higher-ranking vultures as a result. While the Saints will likely lose Morgan Schneiderlin and perhaps Nathaniel Clyne this summer to veritable big fish, Pioli can plan for the 2015-16 campaign knowing he's going to have Felipe Anderson, Antonio Candreva, Stefan de Vrij and many more in tow.
There will be no tumultuous summer in the blue half of the capital, no rotating door as a result of failing to reach the so-called promised land.
What Pioli has done this season is nothing short of magnificent, having fended off Fiorentina, Napoli and flickering interest from Sinisa Mihajlovic's Sampdoria to clamp down on one of the three coveted, top-end spots in the Serie A table. Lazio have been the second-best side in the league in 2015—behind only Champions League finalists Juventus in performances and results—having scored the second-most goals and have conceded the third least, per WhoScored.com.
NAPLES, ITALY - MAY 31: Stefano Pioli and Players of Lazio celebrate the victory after the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and SS Lazio at Stadio San Paolo on May 31, 2015 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
They won nine of 10 games between mid-February and mid-April, drawing the odd one against Napoli. It was an unbeaten streak broken only by Carlos Tevez and Juventus.
It's been clear Lazio would have to fight off Napoli directly for third as the season drew to a close, and it's perhaps this specific duel that helps to highlight the phenomenal performance of the club as a whole.
Per James Horncastle of ESPN FC, Lazio make between €25-30 million less than their southern counterparts per year. Rafa Benitez earned €3.5 million per year to Pioli's measly comparative €600,000 per year, while Kalidou Koulibaly, a work-in-progress central defender, cost more than World Cup 2014 third-placed Dutchman Stefan de Vrij did.
Lazio have been solid as a rock when necessary, playing out of a base 4-3-3 but also mixing in some other looks. Pioli has unearthed the best from obscure gems (Marco Parolo), established stars (Miroslav Klose) and hot prospects (Anderson). Goals have flown from every area in the side, sharing the responsibility as a team and as a unit.
Irony is that Parolo is exactly the player Napoli have needed for years. Midfield ball-winner who can also bring it on. Cost all of €5.5m
“We are only at the beginning. This year we laid the foundations for something important in the future," Pioli told Sport Mediaset after the Napoli victory (via Football Italia). “We’ve already started to talk about the transfer strategy and made a few suggestions. The club shares my ideas. We want to improve the squad, as next season will be complicated.”
For Pioli, that's a positive complication: a European-themed, extra game-load complication. Lazio have broken into the elite by showing pragmatism, tactical talent, a hunger to succeed and, above all, an obvious smartness in what they do.
They represent a welcome fresh face on the continental stage, and they'll be warmly welcomed by ravenous, hungry eyes.
Felipe Anderson Can Fire Lazio to Coppa Italia Win over Napoli
Mar 3, 2015
REGGIO NELL'EMILIA, ITALY - MARCH 01: Felipe Anderson # 7 of SS Lazio celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and SS Lazio on March 1, 2015 in Reggio nell'Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Mario Carlini / Iguana Press/Getty Images)
Felipe Anderson's latest highlight-reel moment was delivered on Sunday during Lazio's 3-0 drubbing of Sassuolo at Citta del Tricolore.
In the final minute of the first half, the Biancocelesti attacker controlled a partial clearance 24 yards from goal, shifted the ball to his right foot and curled a masterful shot into the top far corner of the net—where the owl sleeps, as they say in his native Brazil.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF1eik-jaQ0
The victory, in which the 21-year-old also produced an assist and, according to WhoScored.com, completed 90 percent of his passes, kept the Rome outfit in the hunt for Champions League football and temporarily closed the gap with second-place Roma to just five points.
Fourth in the table with 13 rounds remaining and likely to battle it out with Napoli, who are two points ahead, for third spot in the Italian top flight, Roma will also face the Partenopei over two legs in the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia, the first of which will be played Wednesday at Stadio Olimpico.
Given his exceptional form since a December injury to Antonio Candreva forced manager Stefano Pioli to turn to him with regularity, Felipe Anderson could well be the difference-maker of the tie. Although a pair of January setbacks threatened to derail his season, he hasn't missed a step since returning to the lineup, and according to Pioli, he stands to get better still.
"We're talking about a young lad who hasn't matured fully yet," the manager explained on Monday, according to Football-Italia. "He could still be even more calm in his choices and be even more decisive for us."
Felipe Anderson has quickly become Lazio's best player, and one of the best in Serie A.
It's a scary proposition, at least for Lazio's opponents. It was only six weeks ago, after all, that a knee injury interrupted a run of five goals and five assists in five matches (including a goal and an assist in the Derby Della Madonnina), and on top of everything else, the player's father was arrested on suspicion of a double homicide, as reported at the time by The Guardian.
With his Lazio career only just having taken off, and with memories of adversity at former club Santos and with Brazil's U-20s no doubt fresh in mind (he was criticised for failing to live up to Paulo Henrique Ganso's standard at the Paulista club and bore much of the blame for the Selecao's embarrassing South American Youth Championship), it would have hardly been a surprise if he hadn't burst back into Pioli's setup.
But his display at Sassuolo was one of the best of his season, and after the match, former Lazio midfielder Vincenzo D'Amico claimed he was as good as Barcelona star Neymar.
"Felipe Anderson is now number one at Lazio," D'Amico told Tuttomercatoweb, as per Forza Italian Football. "For me, he is currently progressing as much as Neymar, who has more flair, though. But Felipe Anderson is more powerful."
Felipe Anderson only scores magical goals. Lazio a whole different side with him, what a goal.
Why Lazio Is Serie A's Feel-Good Story of the Season
Jan 26, 2015
Lazio's Miroslav Klose, right, celebrates with teammates after scoring during a Serie A soccer match between Lazio and AC Milan in Rome's Olympic stadium, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
Lazio was in a mess as recently as 2010, but since then the club has been patiently building its squad and has become a contender for a Champions League spot.
The Biancocelesti have been overshadowed by some of the bigger teams, but they are the feel-good story of the season.
Despite being in fourth place, just two points behind third, Lazio is hiding in the shadow of Juventus, Roma and the struggles of the two Milanese clubs. The Roman side's most recent victory came against AC Milan on Saturday, which has sprung the Biancazzurri closer to the spotlight.
The exploits of Felipe Anderson have been one of many highlights. The Brazilian was purchased last summer from Santos for a fee of around €9 million, according to Nadio Carminati of Sky Sports. However, he failed to make an impact in 20 appearances in all competitions during the 2013/14 season.
This year has been Anderson's breakthrough. He has scored five goals, recording five assists in 16 league games, via WhoScored.com. He's more than just a goalscorer and playmaker. The Brazilian is tremendously quick and has incredible technique.
However, Anderson suffered a sprained knee and will be out until February, per Football Italia. The positive is that Lazio looked just fine without him against Milan. Stefano Mauri and Antonio Candreva were excellent on the flanks alongside Miroslav Klose.
On the other hand, Milan has performed terribly this year. Lazio's next two opponents in Serie A are Cesena and Genoa, who is just six points behind the Biancocelesti with a game in hand. If Anderson still isn't fit for that match, it will be a real test for the Romans.
However, it appears as if the team will be fine without its Brazilian star. The bigger blow is the loss of its top scorer Filip Djordjevic. The striker was initially set to miss several months of action, according to the club (h/t FIFA.com). David Amoyal of GianlucaDiMarzio.com claims that the injury may not be that bad:
Djordjevic's injury appears to be less serious than expected, the Lazio striker expects to be back in 45 days
Djordjevic is tied for the team lead with Mauri at seven goals apiece. The latter is capable of leading the line or playing out wide, while Miroslav Klose can still start. The downside is that Klose eventually wears out and has to be substituted.
Coach Stefano Pioli has a few options now that Djordjevic is injured. Whether Lazio qualifies for the Champions League without the inspirational forward is unknown.
Lazio has scored 36 goals this season, second only to league leaders Juventus' 44. Shockingly enough, both teams have averaged the fewest shots per game, according to WhoScored.com. It will be harder for the capital club to keep up this pace without Djordjevic and Anderson for the time being.
However, Lazio also averages the highest amount of tackles at 21.1 per game and the fourth-most interceptions, according to WhoScored. This is due in large part to centre-back Stefan de Vrij, one of the team's signings from the previous summer.
Dutch international Stefan de Vrij has given Lazio defensive stability.
De Vrij completes about 3.5 interceptions per game and 1.7 tackles, according to WhoScored. The Dutchman initially struggled, but he's recovered and has become a defensive stalwart. Goalkeeper Federico Marchetti has also performed brilliantly after a mediocre 2013/14 season.
It's hard not to pull for Lazio to qualify for the Champions League. It's an exciting, counterattacking team with a solid defence. If club president Claudio Lotito wasn't a controversial figure with his own supporters, the Aquile would not have any flaws.
However, when it comes to the performances on the pitch, Lazio is a team that every neutral would love to have finish in the top three of Serie A this season.
Ravel Morrison to Lazio: Latest Transfer Details, Comments and Reaction
Jan 24, 2015
STEVENAGE, ENGLAND - JULY 12: Ravel Morrison of West Ham looks on during the Pre Season Friendly match between Stevenage and West Ham United at The Lamex Stadium on July 12, 2014 in Stevenage, England. (Photo by Ben Hoskins/Getty Images)
Ravel Morrison will turn to Serie A to try and find a new lease of life for his ailing football career. The temperamental attacker will wait until the end of the current season to begin his Italian adventure with a move to Lazio, signing a pre-contract with the club ahead of a four-year deal.
Continue for updates.
Morrison Signs Lazio Pre-Contract
Thursday, Jan. 29
Morrison has agreed a pre-contract with Lazio and will join up with the Italian side in the summer on a four-year deal. The news was confirmed by John Cross of the Mirror:
Ravel Morrison has signed pre-contract with Lazio. Four year deal to kick in from summer. One of the most exciting deals of window.
The player also posted the following image on his Instagram account:
A change of scenery at the end of the campaign could be exactly what's needed to turn around the career of this talented but volatile attacking player. It's a big "if", but if the Biancocelesti can get him focused on his football, then this could potentially be a very shrew acquisition on their part.
Morrison Undergoes Lazio Medical in Rome
Wednesday, Jan. 28
Morrison has been spotted in Italy ahead of his summer switch to Lazio. Serie A specialist James Horncastle suggests the player's presence is due to a medical being completed:
Morrison has reportedly agreed to sign a free-transfer deal with Lazio, according to Sky Sports. The 21-year-old will join the Rome-based club in the summer after failing to reach his potential on English shores.
Nobody has ever disputed Morrison's talent, nor are they likely to. He's quick, technically assured and has an eye for a spectacular goal.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 21: Ravel Morrison of West Ham United competes with Wayne Rooney of Manchester United during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and West Ham United at Old Trafford on December 21, 2013 in Manchester
What he seemingly doesn't have a knack for is the application needed to turn his promise into genuine stardom. Currently on the books at West Ham United, Morrison has undergone a trio of loan spells since joining the Hammers. The Sky Sports report recounts short and ill-fated stops with Birmingham City, Queens Park Rangers and Cardiff City.
Such a well-trodden path seems fitting for the one-time Manchester United prospect, who seemingly just doesn't know how to work and settle. Earlier in the week, Metro writer Julian Shea dubbed Morrison's latest exit "as sad as it was predictable."
Now Morrison becomes Lazio's potential problem. If the change of scenery doesn't work, this once highly touted prospect is likely to sink without trace.
Lazio Ace Felipe Anderson's Dad Reportedly Arrested on Suspected Double Homicide
Jan 13, 2015
ROME, ITALY - JANUARY 05: Felipe Anderson of SS Lazio looks on during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and UC Sampdoria at Stadio Olimpico on January 5, 2015 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
The father of Lazio's in-form attacking midfielder Felipe Anderson has reportedly been arrested on suspicion of double homicide.
Sebastiao Tome Gomes, 51, turned himself in to Brazilian police after allegedly chasing a love rival, who was riding a motorbike, in his Fiat. Both drivers then apparently lost control of their vehicles and crashed into a nearby house. The motorbike rider died instantly, as did a 61-year-old woman who was asleep inside the house.
101 Great Goals provided a tweet which carries an image of the damage from the English newspaper's report:
No official statement or reaction has yet been made public.
Anderson has enjoyed a breakout season with Lazio, scoring five and assisting five in his last quintet of appearances for the improving side, per WhoScored.com.
The creative 21-year-old has played a key role in pushing Stefano Pioli's team to third in the table, their most realistic finishing position behind Juventus and city rivals Roma.
ROME, ITALY - JANUARY 05: Felipe Anderson of SS Lazio scores the second team's goal during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and UC Sampdoria at Stadio Olimpico on January 5, 2015 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
According to Metro, he was linked to a host of clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, before joining Lazio in 2013. Despite taking time to adjust to life in Italy, Anderson is now hitting the form which could one day see him depart Lazio for a mega fee.
The Italian side have suffered regular disappointment since the last time they won Serie A in 1999-00 and need players of Anderson's ilk to help propel them back to elite level.
If the situation with his father proves to be as serious as it appears on first inspection, Lazio will hope their young star can maintain focus in what will likely prove a difficult time in his career.
Lazio Reportedly Sign De Vrij: Transfer Would Fulfil a Desperate Need
Jul 28, 2014
Netherlands' Arjen Robben, left and Stefan de Vrij walk together after medal presentations following their 3-0 victory over Brazil in the World Cup third-place soccer match between Brazil and the Netherlands at the Estadio Nacional in Brasilia, Brazil, Saturday, July 12, 2014. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
Lazio are set to announce Feyenoord defender Stefan de Vrij as their newest signing, per Sky Italia's Gianluca Di Marzio. The Dutch international is expected to arrive in Italy on Monday night and complete his medical on Tuesday, before signing a five-year contract.
This purchase would be a coup for the Biancocelesti, as Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund were interested, but failed to formulate a deal. For €8.5 million, Lazio could purchase one of the most in-demand young defenders in the world.
The story broke just a day after Roma announced they officially acquired Cagliari's Davide Astori on loan with an option to buy, per Eurosport. Lazio was apparently close to securing a deal for Astori, but then their capital rivals swooped in and acquired the Italian defender.
Lazio were reportedly close to getting Davide Astori, but he signed for rivals Roma instead.
The signing was a blow to Lazio. They desperately needed a center back after a mediocre 2013-14 season. Giuseppe Biava, Andre Dias, Michael Ciani, Lorik Cana and Diego Novaretti didn't impress, so managers Vladimir Petkovic and Edy Reja split the appearances of these players.
The other negative factor is the age of the players. Biava is 37, Dias is 35 and was eventually released. Cana, Ciani and Novaretti are 31, 30 and 29, respectively. There was no outstanding defender between the five.
This makes the De Vrij transfer even more important for Lazio. They need someone young who can fill in for the departed Dias and the 37-year-old Biava. The Dutchman is 22 and amassed 135 league appearances for Feyenoord, per Soccerway. He's also earned 37 caps for the Netherlands at all levels.
Like many Dutch players, De Vrij has a vast amount of experience at such a young age. He showed that maturity at the 2014 World Cup. Only Spain and England conceded fewer shots per match than the Netherlands, according to Whoscored.com.
De Vrij was also the 10th highest rated Whoscored.com player at the World Cup. Switzerland's Ricardo Rodriguez was the only defender above him on the list. Out of everyone who played in seven games, the 22-year-old was fourth.
De Vrij's main attributes are his positioning, tackling and concentration. Those three traits are integral for every center back. These attributes should help a Lazio squad that conceded 54 goals last season in Serie A.
This signing would be another wise investment by Lazio, who have spent the €20 million they made from selling Hernanes to Inter to capture Udinese's Dusan Basta and Parma's Marco Parolo, per Football Italia. They cost a combined €11 million before potential add-ons.
Director Igli Tare, left, and president Claudio Lotito aren't pleasing the fans recently.
The only issue that remains is the ire among fans toward president Claudio Lotito. The 57-year-old has still called for these same fans to rally behind the team despite the ultras' protests, per Football Italia. Lotito recently backed FIGC presidential candidate Carlo Tavecchio, despite the latter's racial slurs.
Director Igli Tare has also recently received threatening messages from fans. The dispute was over the failure in signing Astori earlier this week.
It's not all roses within the club at this moment, despite their relatively successful transfer window. Supporters will most likely continue to protest against Lotito's running of Lazio, but the team on the pitch should be much improved thanks to De Vrij's arrival.
Stefan De Vrij Transfers to Lazio: Latest Contract Details, Reaction and More
Jul 28, 2014
After weeks of speculation, Stefan De Vrij's future has landed with Serie A club Lazio, a move that was announced on Monday by the club.
James Horncastle also confirmed news of the move:
The Feyenoord centre-back—fiercely linked with a move to Manchester United, per James Dickenson of the Express—is set to join Stefano Pioli's revolution at the Stadio Olimpico. His transfer will raise just €8.5 million for the Dutch side, who were resigned to selling their talented defender after his excellent World Cup form.
Feyenoord sporting director Martin van Geel previously confirmed "it is logical for the player to leave, but it has to be for the right club and the right price," per RTV Rijnmond and via Ben Jefferson of the Express. Lazio appear to have met the hierarchy's demands.
The Italian side have acquired an intelligent, hard-working player who is only set to improve at the age of 22. He was often utilised alongside Ron Vlaar at the aforementioned Brazil tournament, where his ability to read tackles and dominate in the air came to the fore.
Considering Louis van Gaal's 3-4-3 tactics, United were widely thought to be weighing up a move for De Vrij. In a summer that has seen the club spend £27 million on improving its defence with Luke Shaw, the approximate price tag of £6.7 million appeared a real bargain.
Lazio acted most decisively, meaning Van Gaal will now have to replace Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic with alternative targets. Samuel Luckhurst of the Huffington Post believes the Red Devils were never truly interested:
De Vrij's presence in Rome does appear something of a sidestep at best. Feyenoord finished just four points behind Eredivisie winners Ajax last season and will take part in next season's Champions League. Lazio have no European football to enjoy during the 2014-15 campaign after finishing ninth, having accumulated exactly half of Juventus' championship-winning total of 102 points.
SALVADOR, BRAZIL - JUNE 13: Stefan de Vrij of the Netherlands celebrates scoring the third goal during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group B match between Spain and Netherlands at Arena Fonte Nova on June 13, 2014 in Salvador, Brazil. (Photo by Paul Gi
The Eagles finished with a goal difference of zero, a problem De Vrij will be expected to significantly improve during his time with the club. Juve's total dominance and Roma's summer spending ensures Lazio's best chances of silverware come in the Coppa Italia, especially with clubs such as Napoli, Fiorentina, Inter and AC Milan building throughout the summer.
De Vrij joins a rapidly changing Lazio lineup and will slot in alongside right-back Dusan Basta, recently signed from Udinese, per Sky Sports. Midfielder Marco Parolo and forward Filip Djordjevic have also joined the club, who are used to competing for honours. Low-risk investments are being made on individuals who can make a difference, as building strength in depth remains a priority.
Many clubs may look back on De Vrij's move as something of a missed opportunity. With his age and potential, there's no doubt this is something of a smart deal from Lazio. Even if the developing player fails to impress, little money can be lost when the time comes to sell.
De Vrij has the powerful, game-reading qualities to be a huge success in Serie A, where he will aim to further his name.
