Guendouzi leaves Lazio: France international midfielder set to continue career at Fenerbahce

France national team midfielder Matteo Guendouzi is close to completing a move from Lazio to Turkish side Fenerbahce. According to sources, the transfer fee for the 26-year-old footballer will amount to €29 million. The player has already said goodbye to the Rome-based club and is preparing to relocate to Istanbul.

Guendouzi’s final appearance for Lazio came in Serie A Round 19 against Fiorentina, a match that ended in a 2–2 draw. The Romans avoided defeat thanks to a stoppage-time goal by Pedro in the 95th minute, while the game itself became the French midfielder’s farewell match with the capital club.

At the same time, Guendouzi’s departure came as a surprise to Lazio’s head coach. The manager did not hide his disappointment, noting that he had counted on the player in the long term.

“I would have liked to build our future with Guendouzi. I expected him to stay. I saw him as one of the 7–8 key players in the club’s future,” the coach emphasized.

Following the departure of one of their midfield leaders, Lazio are now forced to urgently search for a replacement. Among the potential candidates previously mentioned was Armenia national team captain and Krasnodar midfielder Eduard Spertsyan, however at the moment Ajax midfielder Kenneth Taylor is considered the closest option. According to media reports, the possible transfer fee for the Dutch footballer could be around €15 million.