After Ratkov and Taylor, Lotito accelerates on midfield reinforcements while Marusic extends and the Isaksen dilemma lingers
Lazio’s January transfer window is gathering pace, even if the internal dynamic between club and coach remains delicately balanced. After sealing the arrivals of Petar Ratkov and Kenneth Taylor, the biancocelesti are already planning the next moves, with midfield still the priority area and several names under evaluation.
Taylor arrives, Guendouzi replaced
The second signing of the window is now complete: Kenneth Taylor has landed in Rome from Ajax and will undergo medicals before joining training at Formello. The deal is worth around €17 million, with a 15% sell-on clause included.
Taylor, 23, has signed a five-year contract worth approximately €1.5 million per season and is considered the direct replacement for Matteo Guendouzi, recently sold to Fenerbahçe. Left-footed and tactically versatile, Taylor can operate both as a central midfielder and as a mezzala on either side.
Sarri, Lotito and an old tension resurfacing
The background remains familiar. Maurizio Sarri has once again called for “important players,” while Claudio Lotito continues to stress the club’s autonomy in market decisions. Sarri has publicly promised to stay until the end of the season, trusting that the squad can still be strengthened before the window closes.
Taylor, unlike Ratkov—whom Sarri admitted he did not previously know—was among the profiles appreciated by the coach, alongside Ruben Loftus-Cheek earlier in the process.
Lazio’s next midfield ideas: Toth, Fabbian, Timber
Lazio are determined to add one more midfielder. The name gaining traction is Alex Toth, a 20-year-old talent from Ferencváros capable of covering multiple roles. Valued at around €16 million, Lazio hope to close the deal at €12 million plus bonuses.
Another option is Giovanni Fabbian, though Bologna are holding firm on a €15 million valuation. Fiorentina and Bournemouth are also monitoring the situation.
A tentative approach was made for Quinten Timber of Feyenoord, but with his contract expiring in June, the Dutch club are unwilling to lower their demands. Timber is now more likely a free-agent target for the summer.
Maldini, departures and the Isaksen question
For the attacking roles, Lazio are considering Daniel Maldini strictly on a dry loan as a deputy to Zaccagni. Meanwhile, exits remain possible: Nuno Tavares has interest from Beşiktaş and Al-Ittihad, while Isaksen could be sold if a suitable offer arrives—his future appears increasingly pointed toward a summer departure.
Marusic extends: experience secured
Alongside transfer activity, Lazio have also secured continuity. Adam Marušić has officially renewed his contract until June 2028, with an option for a further year.
Arriving in Rome in 2017, Marušić has become a cornerstone of the squad, amassing 334 appearances, 15 goals and 17 assists. His renewal underlines the club’s intent to balance youth investment with experienced leadership.
What comes next
Ratkov and Taylor are already in place, while further reinforcements may arrive closer to deadline day. Lazio’s January remains a blend of urgency and patience, ambition and restraint—shaped, as always, by the complex dialogue between Lotito and Sarri.
The next few days will reveal whether the biancocelesti can turn planning into decisive action once again.
