Lazio close in on Union Berlin defender Diogo Leite as Romagnoli saga set to end with Al-Sadd move | OneFootball

Lazio are moving quickly to reshape their defence, with Alessio Romagnoli’s departure paving the way for a new arrival.

After days of uncertainty, the signs now point clearly toward Romagnoli leaving the club, with reports via FiorentinaNews.

His exclusion from the squad for the latest match has been widely interpreted as the final step before a transfer to Al-Sadd in Qatar.

LECCE, ITALY – JANUARY 24: Alessio Romagnoli after the Serie A match between US Lecce and SS Lazio at Stadio Via del Mare on January 24, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – Getty Images)

The experienced centre-back is expected to complete the move imminently, bringing an end to his time in Rome.

Lazio near Diogo Leite deal as Romagnoli approaches exit

With that exit in motion, Lazio have already lined up a replacement.

Diogo Leite of Union Berlin has emerged as the leading candidate to step into the back line, and negotiations are understood to be at an advanced stage.

The Portuguese defender has been on the club’s radar for some time, and the current deal is reported to be worth around €2.5m.

BERLIN, GERMANY – NOVEMBER 04: Diogo Leite of 1. FC Union Berlin in action during the Bundesliga match between 1. FC Union Berlin and Eintracht Frankfurt at An der Alten Foersterei on November 04, 2023 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Luciano Lima/Getty Images)

Leite, 27, offers a different profile to Romagnoli, more mobile and comfortable defending higher up the pitch, qualities that could suit Maurizio Sarri’s system.

Lazio’s strategy appears clear: balance the books with outgoing deals while reinvesting carefully in younger, adaptable players.

If final details are completed as expected, Leite will arrive as Romagnoli’s direct replacement, marking the start of a new chapter in Lazio’s defensive unit.