Lazio pushing for Doekhi and Sergi Dominguez, ruling out Diogo Leite
Quick summary
Lazio are actively pursuing defensive signings, with Danilho Doekhi and Sergi Dominguez as targets, while Diogo Leite is not being considered.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceLazio are in advanced negotiations for two new central defenders, Dinamo Zagreb’s Sergi Dominguez and free agent Danilho Doekhi, but probably not Diogo Leite.
The Aquile are forced to revamp their squad following the sale of Alessio Romagnoli to Al-Sadd and Mario Gila to Milan.
Lazio want both Doekhi and Sergi Dominguez BERLIN, GERMANY – MAY 02: Danilho Doekhi of 1. FC Union Berlin celebrates his team’s second goal scored by teammate Livan Burcu (obscured) during the Bundesliga match between 1. FC Union Berlin and 1. FC Köln at Stadion An der Alten Foersterei on May 02, 2026 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images) Multiple sources including transfer pundit Fabrizio Romano claim that talks are at an advanced stage to snap up free agent Doekhi , whose contract with Union Berlin ran down.
The 28-year-old has been linked with numerous other clubs, including Besiktas, Fenerbahce, Aston Villa, Leeds United and Crystal Palace.
Meanwhile, Sportitalia insist that Lazio are also pushing hard to secure Sergi Dominguez from Dinamo Zagreb.
BARCELONA, SPAIN – AUGUST 12: Sergi Dominguez of FC Barcelona run with the ball during the Joan Gamper Trophy match between FC Barcelona and AS Monaco at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on August 12, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images) They already agreed personal terms with the former Barcelona man, but reaching the €12m asking price set by his club is proving more difficult.
Lazio director Angelo Maria Fabiani travelled to Croatia for the talks earlier this week, but the proposal of a loan worth €3.5m and option to buy for another €8m was rejected.
Now they are hoping to step up the process with a new bid that can convince Dinamo Zagreb to sell the 21-year-old.
Sportitalia transfer pundit Alfredo Pedullà also notes that while Lazio did ask after free agent Diogo Leite, they are not intent at this moment on pushing on with talks.
The Portugal international reportedly turned down a move to the Saudi Pro League today.
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What happened
Lazio are working to strengthen their defensive options ahead of the upcoming transfer window, focusing on Danilho Doekhi and Sergi Dominguez as priority targets. The Italian club has explicitly ruled out a move for Diogo Leite, suggesting they have either moved past him or do not see him as fitting their plans. These moves indicate Lazio's intent to reinforce their backline with specific profiles, likely due to departures or tactical needs. The negotiations are ongoing and the club appears to be narrowing their shortlist.
Chance analysis
Lazio are clearly targeting center-back depth and quality, with Doekhi and Dominguez representing different profiles—one likely a more established Bundesliga-level defender and the other possibly a younger prospect. Ruling out Diogo Leite suggests either a change in budget priorities or a tactical mismatch in profile evaluation. This is relevant for prediction systems tracking Lazio's defensive solidity, as new signings could shift their expected performance metrics in Serie A.
If Lazio sign Doekhi or Dominguez, their defensive depth and potentially their starting lineup will change, impacting their expected goals conceded and clean sheet probabilities.
Monitor Lazio's defensive recruitment outcomes as incoming center-backs will affect their Serie A defensive metrics and starting XI composition.