Lazio’s Summer Clearout: Young Duo Belahyane and Ratkov on the Market

FolioPitch.com – 23 July 2026 | Lazio are reportedly prepared to offload two of their younger squad members, as the club looks to streamline its roster ahead of the new season. The headline development is that Lazio ready to part ways with struggling young duo, Reda Belahyane and Petar Ratkov, both of whom have failed to make a significant impact since their arrivals in Rome.

According to Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla, both players are part of Gennaro Gattuso’s pre-season squad but are not considered integral to the manager’s long-term plans. The club is now open to offers, with the aim of recouping part of the investment made in the pair. The situation underscores a broader strategic shift at the Stadio Olimpico, as Lazio ready to part ways with struggling young duo to free up funds and squad space for more established options.

Reda Belahyane, a 22-year-old Moroccan midfielder, joined Lazio from Hellas Verona in February 2025 for €10 million. Despite high hopes, he has managed only 20 appearances in 18 months, mostly from the bench, contributing just two assists. His development has stagnated, and with no concrete interest from Italian clubs, a move to Turkey could materialize in the coming days. The midfielder’s lack of playing time even during injury crises suggests that Lazio ready to part ways with struggling young duo includes him as a primary candidate for departure.

Petar Ratkov, a Serbian striker signed from RB Salzburg in January 2026 for €13 million, has similarly underwhelmed. The 22-year-old has yet to score for the Aquile in eight appearances totaling 228 minutes. His poor display against Lazio’s Primavera side in a recent friendly further highlighted his struggles. The club is now exploring options to replace him with a more clinical finisher, potentially via a loan or outright sale. A fee in the region of €13 million would be required for a permanent transfer, though a temporary exit is also being considered. This development reinforces the narrative that Lazio ready to part ways with struggling young duo, with Ratkov’s departure seen as a necessary step to strengthen the attacking line.

Gattuso’s pre-season preparations have been focused on building a cohesive unit, and the coach appears willing to make tough decisions early. The potential exits of Belahyane and Ratkov could pave the way for new arrivals, particularly in midfield and attack. Lazio’s transfer strategy is increasingly clear: prioritize experience over potential, especially after last season’s unpredictability. Industry insiders suggest that Lazio ready to part ways with struggling young duo could be just the beginning of a wider squad overhaul, with other fringe players also at risk.

Belahyane’s career trajectory has been particularly disappointing. After rising through the ranks at OGC Nice and earning a move to Hellas Verona, he seemed destined for bigger things. However, the switch to Lazio has not yielded the expected dividends. His style of play, which relies on quick passing and vision, has not meshed well with the team’s tactical demands. With the club now actively seeking buyers, his future appears to lie away from the Italian capital.

Ratkov’s situation is equally challenging. The Serbian forward arrived with a reputation as a promising target man, but he has struggled to adapt to Serie A’s physicality. His lack of goals has been a talking point among fans, and the club’s willingness to listen to offers indicates a lack of faith in his ability to turn things around. A move back to Austria or a switch to another league might revive his career, but for now, Lazio ready to part ways with struggling young duo remains a key theme of their summer business.

The financial implications are also significant. Lazio invested a combined €23 million in Belahyane and Ratkov, and recouping a substantial portion of that outlay would provide Gattuso with flexibility in the transfer market. The club has already been linked with several experienced players, and the exits of these two could accelerate those pursuits. As the window progresses, all eyes will be on how Lazio manages this delicate balance between youth development and immediate needs.

In conclusion, the decision to part ways with Belahyane and Ratkov highlights the ruthless nature of modern football, where opportunities can vanish quickly. For Lazio, it is a chance to correct past mistakes and build a squad better equipped to challenge for top honours. The coming weeks will determine whether the club can successfully execute this plan, but the message is clear: Lazio ready to part ways with struggling young duo, and the future for both players likely lies elsewhere.