Claudio Lotito admits Sergej Milinkovic-Savic wants to leave Lazio but suggests that Al-Hilal haven’t yet matched the Biancocelesti’s asking price.
Multiple sources in Italy claim SMS has accepted an offer worth €20m per season from Al-Hilal. The Serbia international’s contract expires in June 2024 and Lazio want at least €40m to let him go.
During an interview with Tag24, club President Lotito initially denied the offer from Saudi Arabia.
“I know nothing about it. I am unaware of any done deal, perhaps you know more than me. For now, I’ve signed nothing,” he said.
Going forward, he admitted the player and the club have received a proposal.
“I’ve been told that there is a valuable offer for the player, not so much for the club,” he said.
“The player has asked to leave after eight years at Lazio. It’s not a problem of money, but it’s about motivation, he wanted a change.
“If he goes to Saudi Arabia, then motivation comes from the money, but you have to ask him,” continued Lotito.
“I’ve tried to keep him, but when he says it’s a personal matter and that he wants to leave, what can I do? I am on good terms with him, but in the end, the player decides on his life. He has called me begging me to let him go.”
Juventus had been heavily linked with a move for the Serbia international, but the Bianconeri must sell some of their players before making purchases. As of today, they haven’t yet made a formal offer to Lazio for Milinkovic-Savic, but they have reached a principle of agreement with the 28-year-old.
The Serbian star has scored 69 goals in 341 appearances with Lazio, which he joined for just €10m in 2015.