Who Should Lazio Sign Once Transfer Ban Comes To An End? Biggest Problems Maurizio Sarri Must Address Next Year

Lazio will be able to sign some fresh faces in January 2026 as the clubs’ transfer ban comes to an end, but which areas should Maurizio Sarri bring in?

When Does Lazio’s Transfer Ban End?

The Laziali were handed a transfer embargo from the Italian football supervisory commission (COVISOC) in March 2025, after failing to adhere to the necessary financial parameters.

This meant that Lazio were unable to sign any new reinforcements during the summer transfer window, only being able to complete the permanent deals of players that were on loan in 2024/25.

Obviously this was a huge detriment to Maurizio Sarri and his side, which has resulted in a sub-par performance in Serie A this season as Lazio sit 10th in the table.

However, the Rome-based side have seen some improvements in recent weeks, avoiding defeat in four consecutive league matches and beating Juventus in their latest outing.

This 1-0 victory over the Bianconeri was the deciding factor in Igor Tudor’s time in Turin, as the Croatian coach was relieved of his duties and Juventus are now on the hunt for a new manager.

Maurizio Sarri’s position as Lazio boss appears to be cemented after a strong run of results and the former Chelsea boss will be looking to bolster his side in January.

The Laziali will be able to sign some fresh faces at the beginning of next year as their ban comes to an end, but who should the Laziali be looking to bring in?

Who Should Lazio Sign in 2026?

Michael Kayode (Brentford)

Michael Kayode has been a revelation for the Premier League side since signing from Fiorentina on loan in January and making a permanent move last summer.

The Italian defender has started in seven of Brentford’s nine league matches so far and has proved to be a major threat, as Kayode boasts one of the longest throws in Europe.

Kayode has been linked with a return to Serie A as Italian’s that find success outside of Europe tend to return to their home nation’s top division and the 21-year-old would be a shrewd signing for Lazio.

Maurizio Sarri currently has an ageing roster in the full-back department, with Elseid Hysaj (31), Adam Marusic (33) and Luca Pellegrini (26) being the preferred options.

Nuno Tavares was signed in the 2025 summer transfer window after a successful loan spell last season, however, the Portuguese star had a reported fall out with Sarri during the defeat to local rivals, Roma.

Signing Kayode would not be an easy task as the Italian has five-years remaining on his current deal and could cost the Laziali over €35 million.

Julian Brandt (Borussia Dortmund)

One player that would be far cheaper than Michael Kayode is Borussia Dortmund midfielder, Julian Brandt, as the German international could be available for free next year.

Brandt’s deal in Germany is set to expire in June 2026, meaning Lazio can enter pre-contract negotiations during the January window and welcome the 29-year-old next summer.

However, there is still a possibility of an extended deal in Dortmund and Lazio would need to offer Brandt a cemented place in the first-team as he has fallen out of the starting eleven for BVB.

The 29-year-old has started just two Bundesliga matches this season and been involved in one starting eleven in the Champions League, highlighting his fragility in Dortmund’s squad.

Lazio’s midfield is currently lacking a creative spark, with Matteo Guendouzi and Danilo Cataldi operating in the central areas of the pitch – but both players are more suited to the defending side of the game.

Kasper Hogh (Bodo/Glimt)

Bringing in a striker could be pivotal for Lazio, whether that’s during the January or summer transfer window, as Taty Castellanos was the clubs leading scorer last season with just 14 goals in all competitions.

Lazio have been linked with multiple strikers including a move for Promise David from Union Saint-Gilloise and Maurizio Sarri will have to be shrewd in his approach.

Bringing in an elite level striker is an unlikely target for the Serie A side, as their budget will not allow a move for the likes of Rasmus Hojlund – but there is another Danish forward that has been ruthless in front of goal this year.

Kasper Hogh has contributed to 23 goals in 24 league appearances for Bodo Glimt in their current season (17G + 6A) and could be available for under €12m.

The 24-year-old did agree an extended deal in August of this year, however, moving to Serie A could be tempting enough for Hogh to push for a transfer in 2026.