Marseille Fear Lazio Raid as Tudor Looks to Poach Old Favorites

Lazio coach Igor Tudor will be reportedly looking to reunite with some of his old pupils from Olympique Marseille this summer.

The Croatian spent the previous campaign at the helm of the Ligue 1 side where he found mild success. However, he vacated his post in the summer before taking over at the Italian capital side last month following Maurizio Sarri’s resignation.

Tudor already has one former Marseille player at his disposal in the shape of Matteo Guendouzi, albeit this reunion ensued by mere coincidence, forcing the two men to rekindle their controversial relationship. But according to Sport.fr (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), the Southern French giants are worried about a summer raid from Lazio, as the 46-year-old manager can be persuasive in his attempts to lure his former players.

The source names four OM players that Tudor could target, beginning with Valentin Rongier. The Marseille captain is a 29-year-old French midfielder who has a contract until 2026. Then we have Jonathan Clauss, a 31-year-old right-back who enjoys roaming forward. The Frenchman’s deal is valid until June 2025.

The third name on the shortlist is Leonardo Balerdi. The 25-year-old Argentine defender also holds Italian citizenship which would facilitate a move to Serie A. His contract with Marseille runs until 2026. The alternative could be fellow centre-back Chancel Mbemba, a 29-year-old Congo international whose contract is valid until 2025.