Lazio Closing In On ‘Toni Kroos 2.0’ To Replace Matteo Guendouzi
Taylor has been likened to the Real Madrid and Germany legend.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Updated on 07 January 2026
Lazio are reportedly closing in on a move for Ajax midfielder Kenneth Taylor as a replacement for Matteo Guendouzi.
Guendouzi is to leave Lazio this month, having agreed a move to Turkish club Fenerbahce for around €29m.
A host of midfielders have been linked with a move to the Biancocelesti in recent days as replacements for the Frenchman.
Lazio like Ruben Loftus-Cheek, along with the likes of Giovanni Fabbian, Lazar Samardzic and Marco Brescianini.
However, it looks as though a different midfield target is now firmly in Maurizio Sarri’s sights.
Lazio close to €15m Kenneth Taylor deal as Napoli beaten
Reports from Italy suggest Lazio are working on a permanent deal for Taylor worth around €15m.
For instance, Calciomercato has claimed that negotiations between the various parties are on the verge of completion.
Meanwhile, CalcioNews24 report Taylor is keen on a move to Lazio, who are pushing to finalise terms swiftly once Guendouzi leaves.
Napoli were keen on Taylor too, but now it looks as though he will be playing for a different Italian light blue outfit.
5 – Midfielders born since 2002 with more than 20 goals and more than 20 assists in the last 5 Big-10 European Leagues campaigns (since 21/22)
Kenneth #Taylor (25G+21A)
Jude Bellingham (43G+29A)
Florian Wirtz (31G+40A)
Xavi Simons (38G+28A)
Jamal Musiala (39G+23A)Inclination. pic.twitter.com/WejstelfQY
— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) January 7, 2026
Toni Kroos comparisons
Taylor is a left-footed ‘number eight’ who can play in a double pivot or as a midfielder in a three.
The 23-year-old boasts impressive playmaking abilities and is great at creating chances for his teammates.
Taylor also has a superb eye for goal, having registered 15 goals last season, along with eight assists.
The Dutchman has been likened in scouting circles to Toni Kroos, largely due to his passing range, composure and ability to dictate tempo.
‘Both Kroos and Taylor play a similar role when in possession, looking to find the best attacking option possible while also playing safe,’ wrote Total Football Analysis.
They even speculated Taylor ‘could go on as a replacement for Toni Kroos at Real Madrid in the future.’
Giuseppe Labellarte
Giuseppe Labellarte is a sports journalist with over a decade of professional experience in the industry. His main professional expertise is in soccer. Prior to joining FootItalia, he worked for the likes of Sports Mole, TBR Football, the Chelsea Chronicle and numerous other sites, along with having bylines in the likes of the Nottingham Post. He holds degrees in Journalism and International Relations.
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