Lazio are reportedly ‘furious’ after Real Sociedad ‘hijacked’ their move to sign David Silva on a free transfer from Manchester City.
The Spanish side confirmed the surprise signing of Silva on a two-year contract on Monday evening, the midfielder having brought an end to his decade in the Premier League following City‘s Champions League quarter-final exit at the hands of Lyon.
Lazio had held talks with the player over a potential move to Italian football and a three-year contract had been agreed with medicals scheduled to take place in Rome, only for Sociedad to enter the race at the 11th hour and convince the Spaniard to return to his homeland.
Sociedad were looking to strengthen their creative options following an impressive season which saw the club finish sixth in La Liga and secure Europa League qualification, the Basque outfit having seen playmaker Martin Odegaard return to Real Madrid following his season-long loan spell.
According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Sociedad’s late move has left Lazio ‘furious’ after they missed out on a key target, the Serie A outfit looking to improve their midfield options as they prepare to make a long-awaited return to the Champions League next season.
Real Sociedad hijacked David Silva deal! Lazio had a total agreement on a three three years contract and medicals scheduled in Rome. Real Sociedad contacted him secretly. Lazio are furious. Done deal. ???????? #transfers
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 17, 2020
Sociedad confirmed the signing of Silva in a statement, with the news of the capture of the former Spain international – who won the World Cup and two European Championships during his international career – causing the Spanish side’s website to crash as fans scrambled for the details of the transfer.
“Real Sociedad and David Silva have reached an agreement that will see the player from the Canary Islands join Real Sociedad for the next two seasons,” a statement reads on the Real Sociedad website.
“The new realista joins as a free agent from Manchester City and will sign for the club until June 30, 2022. Silva will join the team in the coming days.”
Silva departs English football widely regarded amongst City’s greatest ever players and the club have confirmed a statue will be built in his honour outside the Etihad Stadium, the 34-year-old having been a key figure in the club’s rise following their takeover in 2008, going on to make 436 appearances in all competitions and winning 11 major honours.
“David is a transformational player, a quiet leader who has inspired everyone around him,” said City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak.
“David’s statue will act as a lasting reminder of the wonderful moments that he gave us, not only as an incredible footballer, but as an inspiring ambassador who represented this football club with great dignity at all times.”
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