

FolioPitch.com – 26 June 2026 | Alessio Romagnoli Leaves Lazio Signs for Al-Sadd Figures Revealed as the Italian defender has officially ended his tenure with the Biancocelesti. The 31-year-old center-back, a childhood Lazio fan who joined the club in 2022 from AC Milan, has signed a contract with Qatari side Al-Sadd, according to multiple Italian media reports. The transfer fee is set at €3 million, with Romagnoli earning €6 million per year in Qatar.
Romagnoli’s departure comes after a strained relationship with Lazio president Claudio Lotito. Upon joining Lazio, the defender halved his salary from his Milan days to €3 million annually, with a promise from Lotito that he would receive a pay raise if the club qualified for the Champions League. Lazio did secure a top-four finish in 2022-23, but Lotito never honored the agreement, leading to growing resentment. With only one year left on his contract, Romagnoli became determined to leave.
Al-Sadd had been pursuing Romagnoli since January 2026. A deal nearly materialized in the winter window, but collapsed when Lotito demanded the player waive three months’ salary to facilitate the move. Romagnoli refused on principle, even though it meant forgoing a lucrative contract. However, the Qatari champions persisted and now have sealed the transfer. The defender is expected to undergo a medical in the coming days, with an official announcement imminent.
Interestingly, Romagnoli was initially targeted by former Italy coach Roberto Mancini, who managed Al-Sadd. Although Mancini has since left the club, Al-Sadd’s management remained keen to sign the experienced defender. Romagnoli’s arrival bolsters a defense that already includes several high-profile players in the Qatar Stars League.
For Lazio, the €3 million fee is modest but allows the club to avoid losing Romagnoli for free next year. The Biancocelesti have already begun searching for a replacement, with several names linked to the Italian capital. Romagnoli’s exit marks the end of a bittersweet chapter: he fulfilled his childhood dream of playing for Lazio but leaves with a sense of unfulfilled promises.
Alessio Romagnoli Leaves Lazio Signs for Al-Sadd Figures Revealed underscore the growing trend of Italian players moving to the Middle East later in their careers. At 31, Romagnoli still has several years left at the top level, and the financial security of the Qatari league is a strong draw. His departure is a significant loss for Lazio, both in terms of leadership and defensive stability.
In summary, the transfer of Alessio Romagnoli Leaves Lazio Signs for Al-Sadd Figures Revealed highlights the complexities of modern football, where club loyalty and financial realities often collide. Romagnoli now embarks on a new adventure in Doha, while Lazio must regroup without one of their most reliable defenders.
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