In a surprising defensive move, Lazio have reached an agreement with Olympique Marseille for Samuel Gigot. The deal was struck late yesterday evening, and today negotiations are underway with the player’s agents to finalize the salary terms and complete the transfer.
Calciomercato detail how Gigot, a 31-year-old central defender, represents an exception to the club’s recent policy of rejuvenating the squad this summer. However, he brings valuable international experience to the defensive line. The French defender has had stints with Spartak Moscow in Russia, as well as Gent and Kortrijk in Belgium.
Following the defeat against Udinese, Lazio’s management became convinced of the need to strengthen the backline, which had remained largely unchanged from last season. The team’s overhaul and lowering of the average age has primarily focused on midfield and attack, with left-back Nuno Tavares being the only new face in defense so far.
The report states how “the defensive lapses seen in pre-season friendlies and the first two Serie A matches, where they’ve conceded goals within just 4 minutes, prompted the club to take action.”
The arrival of Gigot, though still to be formalized, may lead to the departure of another defender due to the current surplus in the squad. Mario Gila is already temporarily off the list due to injury, and now two exits may be necessary. The Europa League squad list, with its stricter parameters, adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
The reports details how “Hysaj and Pedro are at risk of being left out, but Lazio can’t rule out the possibility of a central defender leaving, with Casale being the prime candidate.”
