Moroccan midfielder Reda Belahyane pushes for Lazio exit as Ligue 1 clubs lead the chase

Reda Belahyane asked Lazio to end their partnership in January after he informed the club that he wants a fresh start and a move away from Rome.

The 21-year-old midfielder told club officials that he no longer feels comfortable in Maurizio Sarri’s squad and wants a clean break when the winter transfer window opens.

He no longer features in Sarri’s plans. The coach removed him from the group and no longer includes him in preparations for upcoming matches.

Belahyane now wants a club that trusts his potential and offers him regular playing time.

Several teams reacted quickly after learning of his situation. French Ligue 1 clubs showed the strongest interest and now stand in pole position to secure his signature.

French media linked Lorient, Toulouse, Caen, Stade Rennais, and Nice to the player in recent weeks.

Olympique de Marseille also joined the race, encouraged by sporting director Mehdi Benatia, who sees major long-term value in the Moroccan midfielder.

Belahyane expected steady growth in Serie A after his move from Hellas Verona.

He played 22 matches in Italy and believed Lazio would give him a platform to progress.

Instead, his development stalled, and frustration grew as he struggled for minutes.

Lazio’s leadership accepted his desire to leave and told his agent to bring a concrete offer worth at least €10 million.

The club now waits for proposals while Belahyane prepares for a decisive moment in his young career.

The midfielder hopes the next move will stabilise his trajectory and place him in an environment where he can rediscover confidence and rhythm.

He continues to evaluate options as January approaches and considers Ligue 1 the most realistic and attractive path.

French clubs now stand ready to compete for his signing, and Belahyane intends to choose a project that respects his ambitions and supports his growth.