Philip Otele: 3 reasons Lazio want Super Eagles star

Super Eagles attacker Philip Otele could be heading for Serie A, with Lazio interested in signing him, Afrik-Foot reports.

According to transfers expert, Ben Jacobs, Lazio have opened discussions with Basel over a loan deal with an option to buy from FC Basel before the transfer window closes.

Otele’s future has been uncertain throughout the summer after returning to Basel from his loan spell at Hamburger SV at the end of last season. The Bundesliga club decided against making his move permanent, leaving Otele to return to his Swiss employers.

The 27-year-old attacker has been linked to several clubs this summer, including Lecce, Birmingham City, Al Jazira, and many others. But with the transfer market set to close, Lazio might be his eventual destination.

Lazio’s interest could now give him the opportunity to test himself in another of Europe’s major leagues.

But why are the Serie A side interested?

1. Otele Offers Versatility In Attack

One of Otele’s biggest attractions is his ability to play in multiple attacking positions.

The Nigerian is naturally a left winger but can operate on the opposite flank and has also been used centrally. He is right-footed, which allows him to cut inside from the left and attack the penalty area rather than simply staying wide. That versatility could be particularly useful for Lazio.

The Italian club do not necessarily need another specialist winger who can only perform in one position. Otele’s ability to move across the frontline would give the coaching staff another option when adjusting the attack during games.

His physical profile also adds to his appeal. Otele combines pace and strength with a willingness to attack defenders directly.

With that profile, he could soar in Serie A.

2. His Goalscoring Record Is Difficult To Ignore

Otele’s career has been built around one particularly valuable quality, and that is his ability to find the net.

His breakthrough came at CFR Cluj in the 2023/24 season, when he scored 13 league goals. That form earned him a move to Al Wahda before Basel brought him to Switzerland.

Otele then continued to produce in Switzerland. During the 2024/25 season, he scored nine goals in 18 league appearances for Basel while on loan, helping convince the club to make his move permanent.

His numbers subsequently dipped, but the underlying evidence remains important.

Lazio would not be signing an attacker whose only selling point is pace or potential. They would be taking a chance on a player who has already shown an ability to produce goals across different European leagues. For a Lazio side that scored just 41 goals in 38 league games last season, that could be key.

3. Otele Is Cheap and Can Adapt

Perhaps the most underrated reason for Lazio’s interest is Otele’s unusual career path. After beginning in England’s non-league system, he moved to Lithuania with Kauno Žalgiris before establishing himself in Romania with UTA Arad and CFR Cluj.

He then moved to the UAE, Switzerland and Germany. That experience definitely matters.

Otele has repeatedly had to adapt to new leagues, countries and tactical demands. His move to Hamburger SV also gave him his first taste of Bundesliga football, where he made nine appearances and scored once.

So a move to Lazio would not be an entirely unfamiliar challenge. He has already shown that he can rebuild his career after moving into a new environment. Moreso, if he performs well in this loan spell, they can sign him permanently for around €4 million. For a club with a lot budget like Lazio, this is a worthy risk.