Lazio close in on Union Berlin defender Diogo Leite as Romagnoli saga set to end with Al-Sadd move

Lazio are moving quickly to reshape their defence, with Alessio Romagnoli’s departure paving the way for a new arrival.

After days of uncertainty, the signs now point clearly toward Romagnoli leaving the club, with reports via FiorentinaNews.

His exclusion from the squad for the latest match has been widely interpreted as the final step before a transfer to Al-Sadd in Qatar.

The experienced centre-back is expected to complete the move imminently, bringing an end to his time in Rome.

With that exit in motion, Lazio have already lined up a replacement.

Diogo Leite of Union Berlin has emerged as the leading candidate to step into the back line, and negotiations are understood to be at an advanced stage.

The Portuguese defender has been on the club’s radar for some time, and the current deal is reported to be worth around €2.5m.

Leite, 27, offers a different profile to Romagnoli, more mobile and comfortable defending higher up the pitch, qualities that could suit Maurizio Sarri’s system.

Lazio’s strategy appears clear: balance the books with outgoing deals while reinvesting carefully in younger, adaptable players.

If final details are completed as expected, Leite will arrive as Romagnoli’s direct replacement, marking the start of a new chapter in Lazio’s defensive unit.