Lazio boss Simeone Inzaghi has spoken strongly in favour of Everton target Luis Alberto.
Everton are ready to go into the January transfer market with a list of player profiles being scrutinized to strengthen the squad. A secondary playmaker remains a position that the Toffees are looking at and have been linked to the likes of Isco, Dele Alli and Luis Alberto.
Isco is fed up of his situation at Real Madrid and wants a move away while Alli finds himself undesirable in the eyes of Jose Mourinho, drawing uncertainty all over his Tottenham future. Lazio talisman Alberto had a fallout with the club management, giving rise to doubts over his stay in Rome.
The Spaniard had criticized Lazio for purchasing a new aircraft for travel but not paying full salaries to the players. The COVID-19 pandemic has severely hampered the club finances forcing clubs to take aggressive measures to minimize losses and balance the books. A number of teams across Europe have agreed a wage cut with their players in order to keep the club finances away from plunging further.
Understandably, Alberto’s criticism was not appreciated by the club board and reports emerged that the rift may take a shape of a separation. Clubs like Everton, PSG and AC Milan came swooping in, with a hope of signing the Spanish magician in the January transfer window.
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The 28 year old is one of the most important pieces in the Lazio jigsaw and even though he has been in a dormant phase this season, there’s no questions regarding his quality and talent. Alberto, currently rated at £45 million (Transfermarkt), was the chief supplier of goals to the Lazio strikers, assisting 17 times last term.
His invaluable performances have seen him form a strong bond with Biancocelesti manager Simeone Inzaghi. The Italian manager holds Alberto in high regards and relies a lot on the 28 year old. His support and admiration for Alberto mat act as a resistance to the exit and the playmaker would indeed stay put.
"The switch off with Luis Alberto? It was two and a half days of analysis. We know that we have potential and that there are very strong teams playing for places in the Champions League. With Luis Alberto, and with everyone, there is a very good relationship. Luis had the Covid and suffers from a nagging pubalgia. He lived a hard time and we try to stay with him because it is fundamental for us. (via Le10 Sport)"
Inzaghi’s words of support for Alberto suggest all is not bad between the club and the player. His constant backing means Everton’s hopes of landing Alberto may have dwindled. The operation anyway looked complex considering the player’s contract ran till 2025.
Lazio are in no mood to sell Alberto and upset their manager so unless the player has intentions to leave, Everton or any other club for that matter do not stand a chance to acquire his services.