Maurizio Setti: “Belahyane is a Gift to Lotito and Lazio, He Will Become Exceptional”

Former Hellas Verona owner Maurizio Setti has opened up about the recent transfer of Reda Belahyane to Lazio, describing the young midfielder as his latest “gift” to the Roman club. Speaking exclusively about the deal, Setti expressed his confidence in Belahyane’s potential, stating, “After Zaccagni, Baroni, Noslin, and others, Belahyane is the latest ‘gift’ I’ve given to Lazio. Believe me, Reda will bring great satisfaction.”

Setti, who no longer owns Verona but remains involved in its operations, revealed that the transfer was completed swiftly. “We finalized the Belahyane deal in very little time, and I assure you that Lazio has acquired a great player,” he said, adding, “I’m not just saying this because he played for Verona.”

The former Verona patron highlighted the interest from other clubs in Belahyane, including Premier League giants Chelsea. “There’s always a lot of nonsense said in these cases, but Chelsea wanted to sign him and we talked about it a lot,” Setti disclosed. “However, they wanted a player who was ready, and in the end, they didn’t consider him as such. Their loss. Lazio was decisive.”

Setti went on to praise Belahyane’s versatility and character: “If I had to describe him, I’d say he’s an all-rounder with a knack for nipping at opponents’ ankles. He has a great ability with the ball at his feet and can get out of difficult situations with his head held high.” The former owner emphasized the player’s mental strength, saying, “Reda is incredibly strong-minded. He has everything it takes to become a top player. In Rome, he’ll become an idol.”

Reflecting on the transfer fee, Setti admitted, “Considering what he represented for us and how he was valued, I think he was sold for less than he’s worth. If he had stayed, I’m convinced that at the end of the season, he would have been valued at double. But it’s fine this way; the club is satisfied, and so is the player who wanted to move. It was the right time for him to change teams and go to a big club like Lazio.”

Setti concluded by reiterating his belief in Belahyane’s future success: “I repeat, Lazio has made a great deal. Reda will bring immense satisfaction. He can play anywhere in midfield, and Marco [Baroni] knows this well. In Rome, he will become an idol.” 

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