Al-Sadd have announced the capture of Lazio defender Alessio Romagnoli, putting an end to a nine-month soap opera.
Alessio Romagnoli is a Lifelong Lazio Supporter
The 32-year-old had been a valiant servant for the Biancocelesti cause after joining the club in the summer of 2022 on a free transfer from AC Milan, realising a childhood dream. The Roman admitted he had hoped to finish his career at his beloved club, but his strained relationship with Claudio Lotito and the hierarchy made his stay virtually impossible.
The Transfer Saga
Romagnoli already tried to seal a move to Al-Sadd in January, but the deal collapsed on the final day of the transfer window. Lazio then agreed to sell him to the Qatari giants in June for €3 million, but the deal stalled due to the unrest in the Middle East, which prevented the Arabic club from completing the transaction.
Al-Sadd Announce Romagnoli
Luckily for Romagnoli, Al-Sadd were able to solve the issue in the nick of time, so the defender was able to finalise his transfer just before Thursday’s transfer deadline in Qatar. The club have announced the deal through a video posted on its official Instagram account that included a brief statement from the player.
I’ve always been a fighter, a defender, a leader. Football has taken me to incredible places, and now it’s brought me to Doha. A new chapter begins with a new jersey. I’m Alessio Romagnoli, and I’m a Sadd player.
Romagnoli’s Lazio Stats & Role
Romagnoli leaves Lazio after four years of service that saw him make 161 appearances across all competitions and contribute with eight goals and two assists. While he wasn’t the club captain, the experienced defender was considered the de facto leader at the back, so Oliver Provstgaard, Josip Sutalo and Danilho Doekhi will have large shoes to fill.
Sad day lazio