Some Transfer News

By: salvatore | July 16th, 2008

It seemed as if Lazio’s mercato was now going to be restricted to shedding some of the excess players still on the books (42 at last count), but evidently, the “in” door of the transfer campaign is still open.

First up is news that the team has signed Swiss international Stephan Lichtsteiner.

The 24-year old right-back is essentially taking up the roster spot left opened by the departure of another Swiss international (Valon Behrami), and will reportedly be used as a back-up to De Silvestri. All told, the operation cost 1.8 million Euros, and seems to be a solid, if unspectacular signing.

For a peak at Lichtsteiner (if you didn’t notice him at the Euros that is), here he is scoring a goal for Lille:

And here he is getting a kiss from (Why do you think they call me) Kim Kallstrom:

Elsewhere, the team has been linked with former Napoli and Brescia midfielder, Francelino Matuzalem. Personally, I would prefer Fernandez for the midfield, and I’m a little worried that this would be the end of that idea. That said, Matuzalem is a good player still in his prime (28 years old), and pretty much exactly what we need: another player that can take Ledesma’s role in the midfield. Whether or not this is early preparation for Cristian’s eventual departure is hard to say, but either way, Matuzalem would be a nice addition.

The team hasn’t yet entered negotiations with Saragozza, but apparently, there is both strong interest from the Biancoceleste, and “all the elements in place for a transfer“. We’ll see what develops in the next few days.

In the meantime, here’s a goal Matuzalem scored with Napoli:

A collection of goals he scored with Shakhtar Donetsk:

And either the greatest goal ever, or the best recorded display of luck on a football field:

Avanti Lazio.

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Category: Team News

Tags: Francelino Matuzalem, Kim Kallstrom, Lichtsteiner, Lille, Team News

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Comments  

• Inara |  July 16th, 2008 at 2:56 pm

  
  
  

  You guys are getting a very good player in Lichsteiner. He’s a terrific RB who is best at going forward.

  Posted from United States

  

• Jennifer |  July 16th, 2008 at 5:51 pm

  
  
  

  I ditto Inara’s comment. He is good. He’s making a good decision leaving Lille for greener (bluer) pastures.

  Posted from United States

  

• Jennifer |  July 16th, 2008 at 6:03 pm

  
  
  

  And also — Pandev. What are the chances of him staying after next season? Hasn’t his agent been piping up stories about him leaving since like, last season?

  Posted from United States

  

• salvatore |  July 16th, 2008 at 8:44 pm

  
  
  

  I agree guys. He’s a solid pickup that will really come in handy this season, particularly if we run into injury trouble on the back line, like we did last year.

  As for Pandev Jennifer, there was some noise about his leaving, but I’m fairly sure it was just a pressure tactic to get the team to agree to his contract renewal terms. I’d be very surprised if he actually left next season.

  Posted from Canada

  

• Bogdan |  July 17th, 2008 at 9:00 am

  
  
  

  I’m happy Lazio have signed Stephan, but I hope he won’t replace De Silvestri in the 1st team.

  Posted from Switzerland

  

• ozzy d |  July 17th, 2008 at 10:08 am

  
  
  

  Both powerful defensive additions to the team.Behrami was a talented young player,but I think Stephan Lichsteiner will be better.He is not a man of risk,he plays straight and solid,it will help our team to struggle against “big teams’” offenders and wingers.

  I believe Francelino Matuzalem is also a good player,however,I believe he lacks in creativity,but he doesnt make cruel mistakes which may cause problems in defence line.Also,Ledesma,Zarate and Pandev can handle the creativity in the offence line.

  The transfers seems good,but I still believe midfield may lack in the next season,if matuzalem was good enough in the defence line,so why Zaragoza isn’t competing in La Liga?I have doubts about him…

  Posted from Turkey

  

• Mitar |  July 18th, 2008 at 3:03 pm

  
  
  

  Lichsteiner is a good player,but i hope that De Silvestri is still no.1. Also,i`ve read that Lazio have already brought Matuzalem on a loan. Is it true?

  Posted from United States

  

• marijan |  July 19th, 2008 at 7:02 am

  
  
  

  i think that kim kallstrom is a good player for lazio

  Posted from United States

  

• marijan |  July 19th, 2008 at 7:15 am

  
  
  

  and also arshavin is a good player for lazio
  i love lazio and one day let me be the best player from lazio

  Posted from United States

  

• adimas |  July 19th, 2008 at 7:32 am

  
  
  

  I like lazio, cause many talenta player was rising from this club and i think lazio have many good talent youngster from shcool

  Posted from Germany

  

Comments are closed