Liverpool have agreed the sale of midfielder Lucas Leiva to Lazio for £5 million. His departure makes him the final player from Rafa Benitez’s Liverpool time as manager to be sold. He is also Liverpool’s longest serving player, but now brings time on his Liverpool career after a decade at Anfield.
Lucas, 30, is set to complete a medical with Lazio. However, the deal could still be scuppered as the Brazilian is yet to agree personal terms. Lazio have sold midfield engine Lucas Biglia to AC Milan this summer, and the Liverpool midfielder is expected to be the natural fill-in for the Argentine Biglia..
The former Gremio star arrived at Liverpool in 2007 and spent many of his early years at Anfield being the scapegoat for Reds’ supporters. In more recent years, he has become a fan favourite, despite often being injured.
At the end of the 2016-17 season, Lucas was given a commemorative plaque to mark his 10 years as a Liverpool player.
The Brazilian is expected to be a major part of Lazio’s squad next season, if he agrees a contract with the Rome based club.
Lucas Leiva 2016-17 key stats:
- 24 Premier League appearances, 12 as a substitute
- 3 Premier League assists in 24 matches
- 4 yellow cards in 24 Premier League matches
- 0.3 key passes per Premier League match