Romagnoli’s Move to Al-Sadd Risks Dramatic Collapse Due to New Regulations | OneFootball

Lazio defender Alessio Romagnoli has been betrothed to Al-Sadd since January, but the transfer could falter once again.

The Background

The 31-year-old was on the cusp of joining the Qatari champions in the winter, but the move collapsed at the eleventh hour, reportedly due to Claudio Lotito’s negotiating antics, asking the player to waive three months’ salary.

Lazio Agreed to Sell Alessio Romagnoli for €3m

Al-Sadd promised to return in the summer and kept their word, securing a €3 million agreement with Lazio. However, the transfer has been hampered by a series of unforeseen hurdles. After sorting out the remaining details in personal terms, Romagnoli had to wait for the arrival of a new head coach following Roberto Mancini’s departure.

The Euro 2020 winner was succeeded by Razvan Lucescu earlier this month, but the death of the former Emir of Qatar delayed the move once more.

New Regulations Could Prevent Romagnoli From Sealing Al-Sadd Move

According to reports in the Italian media, including Il Corriere dello Sport, the Qatar Stars League has implemented new regulations regarding foreigners, preventing teams from fielding more than five foreign players simultaneously, while also limiting the number of players they can register in the squad.

Therefore, the Roman newspaper believes the new rules have given Al-Sadd a pause, as they’re currently reconsidering Romagnoli’s transfer. The source believes the next 48-72 hours could be decisive on this front. The player’s fate should thus be determined by Tuesday or Wednesday.

Is Romagnoli to Al-Sadd Foredoomed?

Romagnoli had already bid the Lazio fans farewell in a video message displayed during the anti-Lotito march earlier this month. But then again, he had already saluted them following the game against Lecce in January, thinking this was going to be his last appearance for the club, only to spend the next five months at Formello.