Maurizio Sarri really did not expect to be put into a tense transfer situation at Lazio, as their finances are severely limiting the options on the market and there is very little clarity from the club.

It was already known that the liquidity index was a problem, but now there are three, because the debt index and the index on salaries are all issues as well.

The question is: can Lazio actually do any deals on the transfer market? Above all: how long will they be in this situation?

We would need someone to give a real, in-depth answer and not a superficial one.

Lazio leave Sarri hanging

Sarri did not expect to be in this situation and is after some clarification. It is one thing to say ‘we can carry on with this squad and if we make a big sale, then a replacement can arrive of the same level.’

It is quite another thing to not understand if any deals can be done, even a loan.

The fact remains, Sarri needs two or three new signings to suit his idea of football. He is happy to make the best of the current squad, albeit one that finished seventh in Serie A, but there has to be a clearer strategy than ‘we’re stuck with them.’

Over the next few hours, this clarity is going to be important, because once the season has begun, there is no more turning back.

The club insists it is working to resolve the problem, Lazio can say when that’ll happen, but it is certainly not helping the situation.

It does not leave Sarri at all reassured.