Inter and Lazio have reworked the proposed transfer of Davide Frattesi after a financial issue threatened to derail the move on Friday morning.
Frattesi had been due to travel to Rome for a medical ahead of a €15m transfer to Lazio, with Inter retaining a 50% sell-on clause. That arrangement would effectively value the Italy midfielder at €30m.
However, as Frattesi prepared to make the journey, several Italian news outlets reported that concerns over Lazio’s finances had placed the deal on standby. The problem was understood to relate to Lazio’s position under the FIGC liquidity index and the requirement for clubs to operate on a ‘net-zero’ basis in their transfer activity this summer.
The proposed agreement has since been adjusted to comply with FIGC regulations, with the transfer now expected to proceed.
Under the original structure, Frattesi was set to join Lazio on an initial season-long loan for €1m. That arrangement included a conditional obligation for the Serie A club to pay a further €14m to make the move permanent, while Inter would keep a 50% sell-on clause.
La Gazzetta dello Sport and other Italian outlets report that the revised deal will involve Lazio paying a higher loan fee. That figure is expected to be €5m, although the agreement will now include an option to buy rather than an obligation.
Should Lazio decide to sign Frattesi permanently, Inter will continue to hold a 50% sell-on clause under the restructured terms.
The changes appear to have removed the regulatory obstacle, and Frattesi is still expected to travel to Rome on Friday for his Lazio medical.
Frattesi joined Inter from Sassuolo and has been linked with a move away from the Nerazzurri as Lazio seek to complete a deal for the central midfielder. The transfer had looked at risk of collapse when the issue concerning the club’s financial position emerged, but both sides have now found a revised formula intended to satisfy the FIGC’s requirements.
The final agreement therefore remains dependent on the option-to-buy terms rather than an automatic permanent transfer. Lazio will initially take Frattesi on loan, with the increased fee helping the club meet the relevant financial conditions, while Inter retain a significant future financial interest through the sell-on clause.
Frattesi is expected to complete his medical in Rome before the move can be formally concluded.
