Lazio manager Rino Gattuso has reportedly altered the club’s plans regarding defender Mario Gila, potentially reversing a previously expected sale. Gila, who joined Lazio in the summer of 2022, has one year remaining on his current contract, and renewal talks have stalled with the player indicating he will not extend his deal.
Initially, it was anticipated that Gila would be sold this summer, but Gattuso’s arrival has prompted a reevaluation. A key factor influencing this shift is a clause in Gila’s original transfer from Real Madrid, which stipulates that Lazio must pay 50% of any transfer fee received to the Spanish club. Given Gila’s contract situation, potential suitors are unlikely to offer more than €20 million, meaning Lazio would only net around €10 million from a sale.
The club is now considering allowing Gila’s contract to expire, despite losing him for free next year. This would allow them to retain a player Gattuso believes is crucial for the upcoming season, particularly given the perceived difficulty in finding a suitable replacement within the same budget. Lazio spent €5.5 million to acquire Gila from Real Madrid four years ago.
To prepare for Gila’s eventual departure, Lazio has already secured the signing of Sergi Dominguez, a Spanish centre-back born in Barcelona, for approximately €3 million. The official announcement of Dominguez’s arrival is expected in early July, and he is viewed as the long-term successor to Gila. The plan mirrors the development of Frederik Provstgaard, who was nurtured behind Alessio Romagnoli.
Gila himself has not publicly commented on his future, but is reportedly open to remaining at Lazio for another season. Remaining in Rome would allow him to further develop his game and potentially secure a more lucrative contract when he becomes a free agent, increasing his bargaining power with prospective clubs. He currently has several offers, but none have been deemed compelling enough to prompt a move.
