Romagnoli Gives Al-Sadd Ultimatum to Respond to Lazio’s Counter-Offer | OneFootball

Al-Sadd still have a chance to sign Lazio defender Alessio Romagnoli, but time is running out, with the player growing impatient.

A Cursed Transfer?

The 32-year-old has been at the centre of an exhausting soap opera dating back to January. The Roman has already bid the Biancocelesti fans goodbye on two occasions, the first in the winter, and the second through a video message displayed during last month’s large demonstration against club president Claudio Lotito.

Alessio Romagnoli Rejoined Lazio Squad As Al-Sadd Deal Stalls

And yet, Romagnoli remains part of Gennaro Gattuso’s squad, and has even taken part in the club’s last two friendlies against Avellino and Ascoli. While Lazio had agreed to sell the defender for €3 million, Al-Sadd haven’t been able to make the payment due to the restrictions implemented by the state of Qatar amid the ongoing unrest in the Middle East.

While some sources believe the deal is dead in the water, others insist that the Qatari champions have yet to give up, as they’re trying to work their way around the unexpected hurdles.

Romagnoli Sets Deadline for Al-Sadd Move

According to Il Messaggero, Romagnoli has given Al-Sadd an ultimatum until Sunday to respond to Lazio’s latest counter-offer. If the two clubs can’t find an agreement by the end of the weekend, the former AC Milan captain will start evaluating other options.

Atalanta Interested in Sarri-Romagnoli Reunion

In recent weeks, Atalanta surfaced as an alternative destination for the experienced centre-back who has a major sponsor at the club in the shape of Maurizio Sarri. While Romagnoli favors a foreign experience at this stage of his career, the lack of options could push him towards Bergamo.

Lazio Still After a New Defender

On the contrary, if La Dea opts against making a move for the defender, he could linger at Lazio for another year before leaving on a free transfer. But in the meantime, the Roman newspaper insists that the Biancocelesti will continue to search the market for a replacement, with Ibe Hautekiet emerging as the latest target.