Lazio sell Romagnoli to Al-Sadd, but Atalanta and Napoli battle for Gila
Quick summary
Lazio have sold defender Alessio Romagnoli to Qatari side Al-Sadd, while Atalanta and Napoli are competing to sign young centre-back Mario Gila from the same club.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceAs expected, Alessio Romagnoli will complete his medical tests with Al-Sadd after contracts were signed, but Lazio defender Mario Gila is torn between Napoli and Atalanta.
The Aquile are once again busy largely with exits on the transfer market in the early part of the summer, though some deals had been months in the making.
Lazio exits for Romagnoli and perhaps Gila BERGAMO, ITALY – APRIL 22: Alessio Romagnoli of SS Lazio celebrates a opening goal during the Coppa Italia semi-final match between Atalanta BC and SS Lazio at New Balance Arena on April 22, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images) Romagnoli had already said goodbye to the fans in January when he assumed that a move to Al-Sadd would be completed, but his club blocked the exit.
He returned to work with the promise that he would be allowed to go to Qatar in the summer, and that is now happening, with multiple sources including Sky Sport Italia and Fabrizio Romano all saying the paperwork has been signed.
All he needs to do now is undergo the medical tests and be presented as their new player at a cost of circa €3m.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 15: Mario Gila celebrates a victory after the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on March 15, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images) Meanwhile, Sportitalia transfer expert Alfredo Pedullà warns that the situation is getting complicated for another Lazio defender, Mario Gila.
His contract is due to expire in June 2027 and there seems to be no sign of a renewal, yet the Aquile are also hesitant to accept a bid from Napoli, believed to be worth €15m plus add-ons.
This is also because as part of his original transfer, they owe Real Madrid 50 per cent of the sale, so are tempted to simply keep him on until his contract runs down.
However, Pedullà claims that Atalanta have now made a new approach for Gila and are prepared to pay over €20m, including various performance-related bonuses.
It would enable the Spaniard to reunite with his old Lazio coach Maurizio Sarri, now in Bergamo.
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What happened
Lazio are reshaping their defensive options this transfer window, confirming the sale of experienced centre-back Alessio Romagnoli to Al-Sadd in Qatar. The departure opens the door for squad restructuring, with young defender Mario Gila also attracting significant interest. Both Atalanta and Napoli are reportedly battling to secure Gila's signature, viewing him as a key defensive reinforcement. The move signals Lazio's willingness to cash in on defensive assets while investing in younger talent.
Chance analysis
Romagnoli's exit reduces Lazio's defensive depth and experience but frees up significant wage budget. The simultaneous interest in Gila from Atalanta and Napoli highlights his rising stock in Serie A. A bidding war between two top Italian clubs could drive up Gila's price, benefiting Lazio. For Atalanta and Napoli, landing Gila would strengthen their backlines ahead of competitive campaigns in Serie A and European competition.
Lazio lose a senior defender and potentially another key centre-back, while Atalanta and Napoli could each gain a young defensive talent if they win the Gila pursuit.
Lazio's defensive depth is being depleted; Atalanta and Napoli may strengthen their backlines if Gila signing completes.