Roberto Mancini Convinces Romagnoli to Join Al-Sadd as Lazio Receive Improved Offer | OneFootball

Lazio defender Alessio Romagnoli is reportedly edging closer to leaving his beloved club and joining Roberto Mancini at Al-Sadd.

Alessio Romagnoli No Longer Happy at Lazio

The 31-year-old has been a stalwart at the back for the Biancocelesti since making a free transfer from AC Milan in the summer of 2022. However, the centre-back is far from satisfied with the treatment he received from the hierarchy, who had initially promised him a pay raise in case of Champions League qualification (already achieved in 2023), but never kept their word.

Alessio Romagnoli (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Sensing an opportunity, Al-Sadd launched an onslaught for Romagnoli last week, fueled by Mancini’s desire to add his compatriot to his ranks.

Roberto Mancini Invites Romagnoli to Join Al-Sadd

According to Il Messaggero (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), the former Inter Milan and Manchester City manager called the defender, and convinced him to join the Qatari club. As the source explains, Mancini’s future at Al-Sadd remains uncertain, as he could leave in the summer. However, Romagnoli is apparently open to an experience in the Middle East regardless of the coach’s fate.

Al-Sadd Present Lazio with New & Improved Offer fro Romagnoli

The Roman newspaper adds that the Arabic club has offered a fixed transfer fee of €8 million in addition to €1 million in bonuses. On the other hand, Lazio have set their asking price at €10 million, so the two clubs have managed to significantly reduce the gap, as they close in on an agreement. Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano is also reporting similar figures.

Would Maurizio Sarri Follow Romagnoli to the Exit Door?

In recent days, it has been suggested that Maurizio Sarri could decide to immediately resign if the Aquile end up selling Romagnoli, a player he considers crucial for his tactical scheme.

Nevertheless, Italian journalist Alfredo Pedullà believes this scenario remains unlikely, as the manager isn’t willing to walk away from his three-year contract this easily. Hence, it will be up to Lazio president Claudio Lotito to pull the trigger by sacking the 67-year-old and accepting the financial repercussions.