Lazio Will Face Possible Midfield Crisis If Inter Activate Rovella’s Release Clause

Uncertainty looms over Lazio as the club face a strict transfer ban following financial irregularities, making it impossible for the Biancoceleste to register any new signings until September. The penalty comes after Lazio failed to meet three key FIGC parameters—liquidity index, debt ratio, and extended labor cost—at the close of the March 31 financial quarter.

In response to the transfer freeze, club management has assured fans that none of the team’s top players, or "Bigs," will be sold during this period. However, there’s one major caveat: the club have made it clear that any player with a termination clause could leave if their release fee is triggered—and if the player chooses to accept a move.

This situation is particularly relevant for midfielder Nicolò Rovella, who has attracted strong interest from Inter Milan. Reports from Il Messaggero indicate that Inter made an initial offer of €35 million plus midfielder Kristjan Asllani, but Lazio quickly rejected the bid. President Claudio Lotito has reiterated his stance that key players are not for sale, seeking to maintain squad stability during this difficult period.

However, the equation could change if Inter meet the €50 million buyout clause in Rovella’s contract. In that case, the decision would be up to Rovella himself, who has so far shown strong loyalty to the club and its supporters.

If Rovella were to depart, Lazio would be left severely short-handed in midfield. With the transfer ban preventing any new arrivals, only Belahyane and Cataldi would remain as natural replacements for the regista role. The rest of the midfield would be stretched thin, especially since Toma Basic is no longer in the club’s plans and the 4-3-3 system demands three reliable midfielders for every match.

Even if Rovella stays, Lazio are expected to revisit their midfield situation in the January window to shore up the squad depth, provided the transfer restrictions are lifted.

For now, Lazio’s message is clear: the club are determined to keep their best talent and ride out this challenging period with unity, but circumstances could still force their hand if the right offer—and the right decision from a player—comes along.