Tempted To Hibernate

By: cathal | December 29th, 2008

Don’t get me wrong, I’m highly excited about the mercato. I just can’t take the colossal number of rumours and the inevitable wondering and analysis that goes with them. I’m tempted to switch on the elcectric blanket, snuggle up and set my alarm for sometime in February. I just wish I could sleep for that length of time.

The latest player associated with Lazio is Sebastián Dubarbier of CFR Cluj. If the name rings a bell then you may have come across him giantkilling (sorry, shitkilling) in the Champions League against Rioma. There have been suggestions that Lotito is only “interested” to wind up the city rivals who are also keen apparently. However, you can see why Claudio might like this deal. We can’t take Seba on loan, but we can nab him on a co-ownership deal and anything that doesn’t involve 100% ownership of a player is attractive to Lotito. Secondly and perhaps decisively, Dubarbier is the holder of a French passport which makes the wheeling and dealing much easier. Lastly, the guy reportedly covers 100m in 11 seconds and he’s a freshfaced 22 year-old. Very easy to see why we are interested.

Where in the team would he fit in? Well I think we are looking at a potential replacement or cover for Mauri here. With those levels of pace, the left wing or the inside left midfield role is where he would feature. Does these negotiations scupper any Elano deal? That’s a strong possibility but not necessarily the case. As for Bertolo, it looks like my prophecy will be fulfilled. The reports are that Lotito doesn’t rate him. That’s the end of that then. Read about it all here.

The Makinwa – Chievo negotiations are progressing. The Veronese side would like to take him on loan but Lotito would like to get some payback on the 10million he paid Palermo. That is a potential sticking point. The Manfredini – Chievo negotiations will not happen. According to lazialita.com, Sisotri stays. In fact, it seems only Makinwa is certain (maybe the only likely candidate) to depart the club. The futures of Berni and Belleri will also be addressed and Mendicino will remain at Lazio despite the interest of several parties. Read about this here.