Axel Tuanzebe: Lazio consider move for former Burnley defender

Axel Tuanzebe, the DR Congo and England defender currently without a club, is being linked with a move to Lazio in Serie A.

Tuanzebe became unattached on 1 July after leaving Burnley, following a season in which the club were relegated from the Premier League. The 28-year-old centre-back joined Burnley from Ipswich in July 2025 after Ipswich had also gone down from the top flight.

The defender has since featured prominently at the 2026 World Cup, appearing in all four of his side’s possible matches. He played in every minute of those games and did not score or provide an assist.

A move to Lazio would take Tuanzebe back to Italy, where he previously made one Serie A appearance during a loan spell with Napoli in the 2021-22 season. He also played once in the Italy Cup during that campaign.

Tuanzebe came through Manchester United’s academy and made 64 Premier League appearances, scoring once and registering one assist. He spent loan periods with Aston Villa and Stoke City before leaving United in 2023.

His senior career has also included 52 Championship appearances and spells with Ipswich and Burnley. Tuanzebe’s current market value is listed at €5m, although he is currently without a club and no contract with Burnley is in place. Lazio’s interest remains at the rumour stage.