Pedraza set for Italian job as Lazio swoop for Villarreal star
Alfonso Pedraza's 15-year association with Villarreal will end this summer as the left-back agrees pre-contract terms with Serie A side Lazio.
After 15 years with the Yellow Submarine, Alfonso Pedraza is set to swap La Liga for Serie A with the Villarreal left-back agreeing a deal to join Lazio this summer.
End of an era
Pedraza’s impending departure marks the end of a significant chapter for both player and club. The Cordoban defender arrived at Villarreal as a 15-year-old back in 2011 and has gone on to make over 220 appearances for the first team.
With his contract winding down this summer, the 27-year-old has exercised his right to negotiate with foreign clubs since January 1st, and Lazio have won the race for his signature. According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Pedraza has agreed a two-year deal with the Roman club, with an option for a third season.
Top form despite departure plans
Despite knowing he’s on his way out, Pedraza’s current campaign has been nothing short of stellar. He’s reclaimed his starting spot from summer signing Sergi Cardona and has been showing the kind of form that previously earned him a call-up to the Spanish national team.
The defender has bounced back impressively after injury problems kept him sidelined for significant stretches in recent seasons. His resurgence has attracted numerous suitors, but it’s the Biancocelesti who’ve got their man.
No January move expected
While there have been whispers about Lazio potentially bringing the move forward to January if their current left-back Nuno Tavares departs, this seems unlikely. Sources indicate:
- Villarreal aren’t keen to lose a key player mid-season
- Pedraza himself prefers to complete the campaign with his boyhood club
- His professionalism and commitment remain unquestioned at El Madrigal
Succession plan already in place
The Yellow Submarine aren’t panicking about Pedraza’s departure, with the club’s succession plan already sorted. Carlos Romero, currently out on loan and reportedly one of the standout left-backs in La Liga this season, is set to return in the summer.
With Romero and Cardona, Villarreal faced a potential logjam at left-back had they renewed Pedraza’s deal. This natural transition allows all parties to move forward without any bad blood - Pedraza gets his big Italian move while Villarreal can blood their returning loanee without blocking his pathway.
Marcelino clearly trusts Pedraza to remain professional for his remaining months at the club, with no changes expected to his role in the team despite his summer plans being confirmed.