The 23-year-old Dutchman is expected in Rome for medicals and signing as Sarri gets his new midfield anchor
Lazio have moved quickly and decisively. After finalizing the sale of Matteo Guendouzi, the Biancocelesti have already secured his replacement: Kenneth Taylor. The Dutch midfielder is on his way to Rome and is expected to complete medicals and put pen to paper within the next 24 hours, completing a key piece of Maurizio Sarri’s midfield rebuild.
From Guendouzi to Taylor: immediate succession
The timing is no coincidence. With Matteo Guendouzi officially sold to Fenerbahçe, Lazio were determined not to leave a vacancy in the heart of the pitch. Club president Claudio Lotito had already hinted at the deal’s closure after the Fiorentina match—and those words are now turning into action.
Taylor arrives from Ajax in a deal worth around €15 million, confirming Lazio’s willingness to reinvest immediately after a major departure.
Medicals and contract: the schedule
Barring last-minute changes, Taylor is expected to land in Rome later today. His medical examinations are scheduled for early tomorrow morning at the club’s reference clinic, followed by the formal signing of his contract.
The acceleration reflects Lazio’s urgency: Sarri needed a midfielder capable of stepping straight into the rotation, and the club did not want to delay.
Who is Kenneth Taylor?
Born in 2002, Taylor has been a regular presence in Ajax’s first team over the last few seasons. A technically gifted central midfielder with strong tactical awareness, he is comfortable both in build-up play and in attacking transitions.
For Maurizio Sarri, Taylor represents a profile more aligned with positional football:
- cleaner distribution
- better spacing
- strong understanding of tempo
While Guendouzi brought intensity and verticality, Taylor offers control and structure—qualities Sarri values deeply in his midfield system.
A busy day for Lazio
Taylor’s arrival caps an intense day for the club. Earlier, Lazio had already completed the signing of Petar Ratkov from Salzburg, adding depth to the attacking department.
Two signings in one day underline a clear message: despite frustrations and public tensions, Lazio are acting decisively in the market.
What comes next?
With Taylor in, Lazio’s midfield begins to take shape again. The Dutchman won’t be asked to replicate Guendouzi’s style, but to reinterpret the role in a way that better fits Sarri’s football.
Now, attention turns to how quickly he can adapt to Serie A—and whether Lazio will make further moves before the window closes.
For Sarri, at least one major request has been answered.
