Brighton could revisit Mario Gila deal in January after €35m offer rejected

Brighton & Hove Albion may have another chance to sign Mario Gila this winter, according to reports from Il Messaggero relayed by La Lazio Siamo Noi. The Seagulls had a €35m bid rejected by Lazio in June but could return for the Spanish centre-back as the Italian side struggle to secure a contract extension.

Gila’s current deal runs until 2027, yet talks over a renewal have stalled, prompting speculation that Lazio may decide to sell in the upcoming January transfer window to avoid complications down the line.

Back in May, Corriere dello Sport revealed that Brighton were willing to pay €35m, while Lazio demanded closer to €50m. That figure now appears unrealistic given the defender’s unresolved contract situation and the club’s growing financial pressures.

Brighton’s interest in Gila dates back to last season, when scouts flagged his blend of composure and physical strength as ideal for the Premier League. The 25-year-old, who joined Lazio from Real Madrid in 2022, has grown into a key defensive figure under Maurizio Sarri’s system. Real still hold a 50% sell-on clause, meaning the Spanish giants would profit from any future move.

At the time of Brighton’s initial bid, Chelsea and Como also expressed interest, but Brighton were the only side to table a formal offer. Their persistence could yet pay off, as Lazio consider offloading Gila before the end of the season.

Gila’s profile fits perfectly into Fabian Hürzeler’s tactical model. The Brighton manager values centre-backs who are comfortable progressing the ball, capable of switching play under pressure, and tactically intelligent enough to maintain a high defensive line.

With veteran Lewis Dunk approaching the latter stages of his career and Jan Paul van Hecke still developing, Brighton are looking to add another reliable option who can compete at a European level. Gila’s passing range and calmness under pressure have made him one of Serie A’s most underrated defenders.

Lazio’s financial position and Gila’s stalled contract renewal could create the perfect conditions for a January move. Club president Claudio Lotito has historically resisted cut-price sales, but sources in Italy suggest the club may be open to negotiation this time around if no extension is agreed by December.

Gila has already featured prominently this season in both Serie A and Champions League matches, but Lazio’s hierarchy fear losing leverage if the player’s representatives continue delaying talks. The defender is reportedly open to testing himself in the Premier League — a factor that could swing momentum in Brighton’s favour.

In my view, this could be the ideal time for Brighton to reignite their pursuit. Gila’s age, skillset, and mentality align with the club’s recruitment model of signing players entering their prime who can adapt to Fabian Hürzeler’s dynamic structure.

We believe that if Brighton can negotiate closer to the €35m mark again, it would represent strong long-term value — particularly given Real Madrid’s sell-on clause, which could cap Lazio’s asking price.

If Lazio fail to finalise a renewal by December, Brighton are expected to revisit their offer in early January. With defensive reinforcements a clear priority, Gila remains top of the Seagulls’ list.

The deal could also hinge on whether Brighton qualify for European football again — something that would strengthen their pull for players of Gila’s calibre.

👉 Should Brighton revive their pursuit of Mario Gila in January — or wait until the summer market?