Portuguese Defender on the Verge of Signing Lazio Contract | OneFootball

Lazio are reportedly one step away from snatching the signature of Union Berlin centre-back Diogo Leite, who would arrive as a free agent.

Lazio Identify Diogo Leite as Alessio Romagnoli’s Replacement

The 27-year-old was already close to joining the Italian capital side in January as a replacement for Alessio Romagnoli, who was pushing to join Roberto Mancini’s Al-Sadd. However, neither move came to fruition, so both defenders remained at their respective clubs, at least until the end of the season.

Nevertheless, Romagnoli is still expected to leave Formello in the summer, whether to join his longtime Qatari admirers or another suitor. Meanwhile, Leite is running on an expiring contract, so he’s already eligible to sign a pre-contract agreement with a new club.

Leite Expected to Sign for Lazio in the Coming Weeks

The Portuguese defender has been ruled out with a hamstring injury he suffered in early February, which derailed his move to Lazio. Nevertheless, Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla insists that the two parties have been in constant contact, and they’re now very close to finalizing their accord.

The transfer market insider reveals that Leite should recover from his injury in the coming weeks, which would allow him to undergo a medical before signing his contract with the Aquile. He would become the club’s second signing for next season, as Villarreal left-back Alfonso Pedraza has already put pen to paper.

Leite’s Background

Leite was born and raised in the city of Porto, so he began his career in the Dragao’s famous academy. After rising through the club’s ranks, he joined Union Berlin in the summer of 2022. This season, he made 18 appearances across all competitions, contributing with a single assist.