Lazio Rekindle Interest In Ioannidis After Panathinaikos Lower Striker's Valuation

Lazio’s search for a reliable attacking reinforcement has once again led them to Athens, where Fotis Ioannidis has re-emerged as a strong candidate. Though not an entirely new name to the Biancoceleste’s radar, the 24-year-old Panathinaikos striker is gaining renewed interest after being closely followed by sporting director Angelo Fabiani even before Boulaye Dia’s transfer discussions last year.

At the time, Panathinaikos’ €30 million valuation discouraged Lazio from pursuing the Greek international further. However, the situation has evolved. Following a less prolific season—scoring 11 goals across all competitions compared to the 23 he netted the previous year—Ioannidis’ market value has become more manageable, opening the door for renewed talks.

With the 2024/25 campaign having exposed the need for a reliable partner or alternative to Taty Castellanos, Lazio is prioritizing depth in attack. Ioannidis could be the ideal fit, capable of not only sharing the workload across a long season but also offering tactical flexibility during matches.

Standing at 1.87 meters, the forward is known for his strength, technical ability, and versatility in attack. He often drops deep to link play, opens spaces with his movement, and poses an aerial threat in the box. Despite not being blisteringly quick, his acceleration in open spaces and powerful running style make him a constant menace for defenders. Moreover, his ambidextrous shooting ability adds another layer of unpredictability.

Ioannidis’ style bears some similarities to Castellanos, especially in how he helps build play from deep—a trait that fits well with coach Marco Baroni’s tactical vision. Lazio are hoping that a change of scenery could rekindle the striker’s scoring instincts and restore him to his previous heights.

From Athens to Rome, the connection grows stronger. As Lazio evaluate their options for the summer transfer window, the story of Fotis Ioannidis could very well take the next chapter under the Roman sky.