Patric Nears Lazio Exit Ahead of Al-Ittifaq Switch
Lazio defender Patric is close to terminating his contract and joining Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittifaq. The 33-year-old Spaniard has agreed personal terms with Al-Ittifaq after injuries limited his role and dropped him down the pecking order. Lazio are willing to let him leave for free, with the contract resolution expected within a day.
Patric, a 33-year-old Spanish centre-back, has been with Lazio since arriving from Barcelona in 2015. He has played more than 240 matches for the Rome club and is currently its longest-tenured squad member. Recent fitness problems have reduced his availability, including only 14 Serie A appearances last season and no outings this campaign because of a muscle issue.
With Josip Sutalo and Oliver Provstgaard now preferred, Lazio are prepared to release him without a fee. Talks over ending his deal could conclude within a day. Al-Ittifaq have already secured his agreement, and he would link up with Mario Balotelli and Douglas Costa in Saudi Arabia.
This switch could affect Lazio supporters, who may see a familiar squad figure depart, and Serie A followers tracking the club's defensive transition. It may also raise Al-Ittifaq's profile among Saudi Pro League audiences, while giving Patric a possible chance for regular minutes. For the wider transfer market, it could reinforce the trend of experienced European players continuing their careers in Saudi Arabia.