A report in the Italian press reveals that the departure of Lazio defender Alessio Romagnoli is not a foregone conclusion just yet.
Alessio Romagnoli Fell Out with Lazio Owner Claudio Lotito
The 31-year-old had accepted a pay cut to join his beloved Biancocelesti in the summer of 2022. Lazio president Claudio Lotito promised him a significant raise in case of Champions League qualification, but backtracked on his word in 2023. Therefore, the relationship between the two men has been on a downward spiral ever since.
In January, the centre-back was one step away from signing for Al-Sadd, but the deal collapsed at the eleventh hour, with the player reportedly refusing to waive three months of his salary as Lotito requested. Nevertheless, the Qatari giants had vowed to try again in the summer.
But according to Il Corriere dello Sport, the latest developments in the Middle East could sabotage the operation.
The War in the Middle East Could Hamper Romagnoli Move to Al-Sadd
As the Roman newspaper explains, Roberto Mancini’s future at Al-Sadd is no longer certain due to the ongoing war in the region.
The former Manchester City and Italy head coach has been Romagnoli’s biggest sponsor in Doha, so his departure could jeopardize the transfer, not to mention that the defender himself would be reluctant to move if the current situation persists.
Could Romagnoli Extend his Stay at Lazio?
Interestingly, the source believes the defender could be open to prolonging his stay at Lazio, which he still considers his home, at least for another year.
The former AC Milan captain has a contract valid until June 2027, so he could decide to remain until the deadline before testing free agency the following summer, or perhaps reconsider his future at Formello, at least if he reconciles with Lotito.
If he stays, its his love for LAZIO and nothing else
hope he can stay with Lazio. we need a legend.
He’s NOT gonna stay. Don’t hope for that and you will save yourself from disappointment.
Some other transfer news I caught in recent days:
– there is already interest regarding Taylor from EPL. Lotito is willing to sell him only for double of what we’ve paid – €36m
– if we manage to win Coppa Italia we have to buy Maldini for €14m
– board is deciding what to do with Isaksen. Either contract renewal or sale for €20+m
– Lazio (among others) are interesting in 21y Brugge striker Tresoldi. Asking price is €20m – €25m
– there are rumors about Milik. However with his injury record and still valid contract he’s unlikely to join our ranks
– perheps the biggest name on our summer transfer list might be Andreas Schjelderup from Benfica. He is considered as Isaksen’s replacement (despite being LW). His value is around €15m – €20m.
It would be a shame to let Taylor or Isakksen go. Maldini, especially with winning the coppa would not be a bad addition.
Andreas of Benfica would be good because Pedro is leaving but I would consider selling Zaccagni and in that case it would make more sense(unless Noslin is leaving)
No way we spend that much on Tresoldi, we talking Lotito…
If we sell Gigot, Romagnoli will stay (I think, or rather hope).
He won’t stay. Lazio have already signed Pedraza for next season and Diogo Leite is almost done. Both are free transfers and left-footed. Lotito will do everything he can to get the euros in his pockets from selling Romagnoli.
OK but if Mancini leaves Quatar, I bet they won’t be willing to buy him and who will offer close to what they were?