Former Napoli Star ‘Desperate’ For Serie A Return Amid Growing Interest From Maurizio Sarri

Lorenzo Insigne is reportedly looking for a return to Serie A after ending his time in the MLS and attracting interest from Lazio.

Is Lorenzo Insigne A Free Agent?

After three-years in Major League Soccer, Lorenzo Insigne decided to bring his time with Toronto FC to an end, leaving with 35 goal contributions in 76 appearances (19G +16A).

The MLS side decided to part ways with the Italian after a relatively unsuccessful spell, as Toronto used one of their two buyout options to terminate Insigne’s deal.

Insigne was reportedly earning over $15 million per year, which was the second-highest salary in Major League Soccer – only bettered by Lionel Messi’s deal with Inter Miami.

Now, the 34-year-old is currently sitting in the area of uncertainty, also known as the ‘free agent market’ which currently holds a host of players that are looking for their next club.

Former Liverpool midfielder, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is another player that is available on a free and the Englishman has been linked with a move to Fiorentina.

Insigne is looking to make a similar move to Oxlade-Chamberlain, with the former Napoli star desperate to return to Italy after three-years away from Serie A.

During his time with the Partenopei, Inisgne made 434 appearances, contributed to 217 goals (122G + 95A) and won two Coppa Italias alongside a Supercoppa Italiana.

The Italian currently sits fourth for all-time appearances in Naples and is well-regarded in his home nation after playing for the national team on 54 occasions – being involved in the Azzurri’s European Championship triumph in 2021.

Having such a strong relationship with his home nation could prove pivotal in Insigne’s future, as the 34-year-old has attracted interest from Serie A giants, Lazio.

Are Lazio Interested In Lorenzo Insigne?

Maurizio Sarri had to deal with a major set-back during the summer transfer window, as Lazio were unable to add any fresh faces to their roster due to a recent transfer ban.

COVISOC, a supervisory body to the Italian Football Federation that focuses on financial aspects at clubs, confirmed that Lazio had not adhered to the trio of financial rules surrounding debt, liquidity index and extended labor costs.

This transfer ban will run until January 2026, meaning the Laziali cannot bring any players in until then and this may play a part in Lorenzo Insigne’s deal.

However, as the 34-year-old is a free agent the negotiations may be simpler to complete and Maurizio Sarri is reportedly keen on bringing the veteran in for the latter stages of the 2025/26 campaign.

Insigne also revealed that he wants to play in Europe to earn a place in the national team before the 2026 World Cup, however, Italy may not even achieve automatic qualification.

The 34-year-old said (Via Sky Sports): “The World Cup is one of my goals, it’s been a long time since I’ve worn the national team jersey, and I hope to wear it again soon. For now, though, I need to focus on my next new adventure.”

Lazio are currently leading the race to sign the former Napoli star, but will face competition from Udinese and Parma who are both keen on bringing Insigne back to Serie A.