Romagnoli ‘gives’ Al-Sadd ultimatum to answer Lazio counter-offer | OneFootball

Alessio Romagnoli’s proposed move to Al-Sadd has hit delays, and the Lazio defender is pushing for clarity.

According to Il Messaggero, he has set the Qatari club a Sunday deadline to answer Lazio’s latest counter-offer, after which he will start assessing alternative options.

The 32-year-old has been central to a drawn-out saga since January, twice bidding farewell to Lazio fans, first in winter then via a video during last month’s protest against president Claudio Lotito.

Despite that, he remains in Gennaro Gattuso’s squad and featured in friendlies against Avellino and Ascoli. Lazio agreed a €3 million sale, but Al-Sadd have been unable to make the payment due to restrictions implemented by the state of Qatar amid unrest in the Middle East.

Some sources consider the deal dead, others maintain the Qatari champions are still working around the hurdles.

Atalanta have emerged as an alternative, with Maurizio Sarri seen as a major backer. Romagnoli favours a move abroad at this stage, though a lack of options could steer him towards Bergamo.

If La Dea do not proceed, he could stay at Lazio for another year and then leave on a free. In the meantime, the club are looking for a replacement, with Ibe Hautekiet the latest target.

Source: The Laziali

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”