It’s official – Austrian international wingback Valentino Lazaro has made the move to Torino from Inter Milan.
Torino confirmed the arrival of the 27-year-old on a permanent basis in an official announcement.
Lazaro spent last season on loan with Torino.
This was hardly the first time that the 27-year-old Austrian international has been out on loan since joining Inter from Hertha in the summer of 2019.
Lazaro has gone out on loan to Newcastle United, Borussia Monchegnladbach, and Benfica.
None of those have decided to sign the Austrian on a permanent basis. And neither, it seems, had Torino.
The Granata had the option to do so. Reportedly, they had a purchase option on Lazaro worth around €7 million.
And initially, Torino showed an interest in exercising that clause. Lazaro enjoyed a fairly positive season, as he fit in well to Granata coach Ivan Juric’s customary 3-5-2 system, even if a knee injury ruled him out for a few months in mid-season.
However, Torino also asked Inter for a discount to sign Lazaro. And in the end, they decided against activating the purchase option.
Valentino Lazaro Returns To Torino From Inter Milan
But in the end, the Granata have signed Lazaro back permanently after all.
Reportedly, the Piedmontese club have agreed a fee of around €4 million with Inter for the Austrian’s signature.
Therefore, Lazaro’s time at Inter comes to an end after four years under contract with the Nerazzurri.
Lazaro arrived in the same season as Antonio Conte. The Austrian was meant to be an early reinforcement in the wingback position.
However, Lazaro never really settled in under Conte, leaving on loan after just half a season.
Furthermore, the Austrian never found a place under Simone Inzaghi, who also uses wingbacks.
Lazaro made just six appearances for Inter in Serie A. He made eleven in all competitions.
