Atalanta ready to pounce as Al-Sadd stall over Lazio’s Romagnoli | OneFootball

Alessio Romagnoli’s future remains up in the air, with Al-Sadd struggling to finalise a move for the Lazio defender, and Atalanta ready to step in should the Qatari deal collapse.

According to LaLazioSiamoNoi, relaying Corriere dello Sport, Romagnoli is holding out for a switch abroad, which remains his priority.

Al-Sadd have returned with fresh payment terms for the €3m they have offered Lazio, and Claudio Lotito has responded with a counter-proposal, leaving both parties awaiting the next move. The signals had not been especially encouraging as recently as 48 hours ago, but the coming hours could prove decisive.

Part of the hold-up lies with Al-Sadd themselves, who are said to be grappling with financial constraints that have complicated their pursuit.

For Romagnoli, the appeal of the move is both the substantial financial package on offer and, the reports suggest, a wish to leave Italy out of respect for the Lazio support, a fanbase he saluted with a video message during the mass protest against the club’s ownership on 2 July.

BERGAMO, ITALY – APRIL 22: Alessio Romagnoli of SS Lazio celebrates a opening goal during the Coppa Italia semi-final match between Atalanta BC and SS Lazio at New Balance Arena on April 22, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

Atalanta and Sarri wait in the wings for Romagnoli

Should the Al-Sadd deal fall through, the picture would change quickly. The defender would then begin to weigh the alternatives already on the table, and chief among them is Atalanta.

The Bergamo side are boosted by the presence of Maurizio Sarri, who worked with Romagnoli at Lazio, considers him a priority target and has already made personal contact with the player.

For now, all eyes are on Doha and whether Al-Sadd can meet Lotito’s terms. If they cannot, Sarri and Atalanta are poised to capitalise on a defender who could yet remain in Serie A after all.