Lazio book medicals for free agent Leite to replace Romagnoli
Quick summary
Lazio have scheduled medicals for free agent centre-back Leite as a replacement for Alessio Romagnoli, whose future at the club is uncertain.
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Attributed to original sourceThe Serie A transfer deadline fell earlier this week, but Lazio are on the verge of bringing in a new signing on the free agent market after bidding farewell to Alessio Romagnoli, who has joined Al-Sadd in the Qatar Stars League.
Lazio set to bring in Leite to replace Romagnoli Romagnoli, who had been linked with the Qatari club since the January transfer window, officially left Lazio late on Thursday evening after spending the last four seasons at the Stadio Olimpico.
Alessio Romagnoli signs the Al-Sadd contract after leaving Lazio (@alsaddsc) The Biancocelesti are expected to bring in a new central defender on the free agent market to replace the 31-year-old Romagnoli. Clubs are permitted to pick up free agents at any time, not restricted by transfer window deadlines.
According to reports from various sources on Saturday morning, Lazio are closing in on the signing of 27-year-old former Portugal youth international Diogo Leite, who has been available since leaving Union Berlin at the end of his contract earlier this summer.
Leite made a total of 136 appearances for the German side, including 113 in the Bundesliga. A former Porto academy product, he also has experience in the Portuguese top flight with his boyhood club and with Braga, whom he joined on loan for the 2021-22 season.
According to the latest updates from transfer expert Matteo Moretto , Lazio have scheduled for Leite to have a medical on Sunday and are expecting him to sign a three-year contract at the Stadio Olimpico.
BERLIN, GERMANY – MAY 16: Leite Diogo and Danilho Doekhi acknowledge the fans after the Bundesliga match between 1. FC Union Berlin and FC Augsburg at Stadion An der Alten Foersterei on May 16, 2026 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images) Assuming that he does sign, Leite will join his former Union centre-back partner Danilho Doekhi, who also joined Lazio after leaving the Bundesliga side on a free transfer earlier this summer.
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What happened
Lazio are moving to strengthen their defensive options by arranging medicals for free agent Leite, a centre-back brought in to fill the void left by Alessio Romagnoli. The move suggests Romagnoli may be departing or unavailable, prompting the club to act quickly in the free agent market. Bringing in a free agent allows Lazio to add squad depth without a transfer fee, which is significant given financial constraints in Italian football.
Chance analysis
Lazio's decision to bring in free agent Leite signals a defensive reshuffle, with Romagnoli's role at the club clearly under threat. Free agent signings are a low-risk, cost-effective way for Serie A clubs to manage squad gaps, but they also reflect urgency — clubs typically explore the market more broadly when not under pressure. The coming days will clarify whether Romagnoli is on his way out or simply being cover for an injury layoff, and either outcome reshapes Lazio's back line heading into the new campaign.
Lazio's defensive lineup faces a likely change with Leite arriving as Romagnoli's potential replacement, affecting back-line chemistry and depth.