Romagnoli Set to Stay at Lazio Amid Al-Sadd Deal Collapse

FolioPitch.com – 07 August 2026 | In a stunning turn of events, Alessio Romagnoli now appears set to remain at Lazio, having seen his move to Al-Sadd collapse and interest from Atalanta seemingly turned down. The Italian defender had been on the cusp of joining the Qatari club, with a lucrative three-year deal worth €6m a season all but agreed. However, the deal has fallen through amid a freeze on Qatari clubs’ overseas transactions, reported to be a result of the recent death of Qatar’s former Emir and wider instability in the region.

According to reports, Romagnoli has reported to Lazio’s pre-season camp to work under new head coach Gennaro Gattuso, and has stayed put ever since. The captain’s armband worn by Romagnoli in Lazio’s friendly against Avellino may carry significant weight, effectively signaling his intention to stay in the capital this season.

Gattuso, who worked with Romagnoli during their time together at Milan, rates him highly, and this relationship is becoming a key factor in his thinking. The centre-back is said to be weighing all his options, with his former Lazio coach Maurizio Sarri, now at Atalanta, reportedly keen to take him to Bergamo. For the moment, though, staying at Lazio appears the most likely outcome.

As Romagnoli continues to weigh his options, he will be looking to the new season with a mix of optimism and caution. The collapse of the Al-Sadd deal has left him with a number of questions to answer, and it remains to be seen how he will ultimately decide to proceed. One thing is certain, though – the Italian defender will be a crucial figure for Lazio in the coming months, and his decision will have significant implications for the club’s chances in the Serie A.