Lazio Stalwart Considering His Options as Lotito Backtracks on Old Promise | OneFootball

Lazio defender Alessio Romagnoli is facing an uncertain future, as Claudio Lotito is reluctant to keep his word.

The Background

The 30-year-old is a lifelong Biancocelesti supporter who got the opportunity to join his beloved club in the summer of 2022. However, that transfer required a significant financial sacrifice on the Roman’s part. Fresh from captaining Milan towards a Scudetto triumph, Romagnoli had important offers on the table, but accepted to halve his salary in favor of signing for Lazio.

Lotito’s Broken Promise to Alessio Romagnoli

That agreement also entailed a promise on Lotito’s part. The club president promised the player a considerable pay rise if he could help the Aquile qualify for the Champions League. Romagnoli did his part, playing an instrumental role at the back as the team finished second in the 2022/23 Serie A table, but on the other hand, the club president failed to keep his word.

Alessio Romagnoli (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Last season, the defender publicly voiced his frustration with the situation and was ready to take his services elsewhere. Nevertheless, Maurizio Sarri’s return, coupled with fresh reassurances from the hierarchy, convinced him to stay for at least another year.

Lazio Won’t Offer Romagnoli a Pay Raise

But while the player is patiently awaiting the lifting of the transfer ban to negotiate a new and improved contract, Il Messaggero reveals that Lotito is only willing to renew the player’s contract for the same salary (€3 million per year).

Romagnoli Keeping His Options Open

The source adds that the player and his partner would like to stay in Rome, especially as they await the birth of their child, but amidst the current circumstances, nothing is quite guaranteed.

Romagnoli’s current deal with Lazio is valid until the summer of 2027. In recent months, he had offers from the Arab World, particularly from Qatar, where his former Lazio teammate, Luis Alberto, has been active since 2024.