Official: Lazio Sign Diogo Leite on a Free Transfer

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The Laziali

·9 September 2026

Official: Lazio Sign Diogo Leite on a Free Transfer

Lazio have officially announced the signing of Portuguese central defender Diogo Leite on a free transfer, further reinforcing Gennaro Gattuso’s squad for the season.

Continuing the Defensive Overhaul

The Biancocelesti have remained active in reshaping their defensive unit following the departures earlier this summer. After adding former Union Berlin teammate Danilho Doekhi to the squad in July, Lazio’s management continued tracking Leite to secure additional quality, depth, and tactical versatility across the backline.

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Following the expiration of his contract with Union Berlin at the end of June 2026, negotiations progressed steadily to reach an accord on personal terms and bring the 27-year-old Portuguese defender to Rome.

Lazio Announce Diogo Leite

The transfer was made official via a statement published on the official S.S. Lazio website:

S.S. Lazio announces the signing of footballer Diogo Filipe Monteiro Pinto Leite, who became a free agent from FC Union Berlin on 30/06/26. The player has signed a two-year contract with an option to extend for an additional two sports seasons.

Under the terms of the deal, Leite’s initial contract runs for two years through 2028, with the Biancocelesti holding a club option to extend the agreement for an extra two seasons.

First Words & Reuniting With Doekhi

Speaking to Lazio Style Channel (via La Lazio Siamo Noi) following his arrival, the Portuguese center-back expressed his delight at making the move and revealed that Lazio had been his priority for months:

Today is a special day for me. I wanted to come to Lazio and finally this day has arrived. I am happy to wear this shirt – it is a big club with a lot of history. I can’t wait to get started. I knew about Lazio’s interest as far back as March. I was keen on this proposal and rejected other clubs because I wanted to come here. Naturally, I spoke with Doekhi, and he was important in my decision.

Leite also shared his enthusiasm about reuniting with his former Union Berlin defensive partner:

I’ve known him for a long time. Reuniting with him here and playing alongside him again is an honor. We had talked about it before signing, saying that maybe one day we would play together again. That day has arrived. I’m very happy and can’t wait to see him on the pitch.

Addressing the tactical demands of Italian football, Leite added:

I have watched Serie A many times. I expect to learn a lot; it is a very tactical league that can help defenders grow. My personal goal is to reach my best condition, help the team, play as much as possible, and contribute to achieving our goals.