Lazio intensify pursuit of Ibe Hautekiet as transfer talks stall

S.S. Lazio are negotiating with Belgian club Standard Liège for the signing of 21‑year‑old centre‑back Ibe Hautekiet, whose contract runs until 2029. Sporting director Angelo Fabiani and president Claudio Lotito have met the player’s agents at the club’s Formello training centre, while head coach Gennaro Gattuso has stressed the need for a reliable defender.

Standard Liège, which has already generated about €13 million in this market window, is demanding stronger financial guarantees than Lazio can currently offer. The Italian side prefers a loan with an option to buy to stay within its limited budget, but the Belgian club is reluctant to release the player without immediate, solid compensation. As talks continue, Lazio risk leaving a key defensive area unfilled.

“Non si può vivere sempre nell’incertezza,” a sentiment echoed by fans, reflects the pressure on the club to resolve the deal quickly.