Lazio target free agents Diogo Leite, Joao Silva and Panzo
Quick summary
Lazio are exploring moves for free agents Diogo Leite, Joao Silva, and Panzo as they look to strengthen their squad.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceLazio are reportedly back in talks with free agents Diogo Leite, Joao Silva and Jonathan Panzo to bolster their squad, but face strong competition.
The transfer window is now closed, but clubs in Italy are still able to sign players who are out of contract.
ROME, ITALY – AUGUST 04: SS Lazio head coach Gennaro Gattuso during the SS Lazio training session at Formello Sport Centre on August 04, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images) Considering that has been largely the transfer strategy throughout the summer for the Aquile anyway, they are well placed with discussions already for those who remain on the market.
They also need a reinforcement in defence after finally selling Alessio Romagnoli to Al-Sadd.
Diogo Leite back on Lazio radar Diogo Leite 1-fc-union-berlin-v-sport-club-freiburg-bundesliga-diogo-leite According to Sportitalia transfer expert Alfredo Pedullà , Lazio are back in negotiations with Diogo Leite, the 27-year-old central defender whose contract with Union Berlin expired on June 30.
A product of the FC Porto youth academy , he also played for SC Braga before coming to Union Berlin in 2022.
There is competition for Lazio, because Diogo Leite has also got a proposal on the table from Al-Ettifaq.
MADRID, SPAIN – DECEMBER 20: David Alaba of Real Madrid warms up prior to the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and Sevilla FC at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on December 20, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) Other candidates for the Biancocelesti include David Alaba, who seems improbable, Joao Silva and former Birmingham City defender Panzo.
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What happened
Lazio are focusing on free-agent signings to reinforce their squad, with Portuguese defender Diogo Leite, forward Joao Silva, and defender Panzo all under consideration. The Rome-based club appears to be working within budget constraints, prioritizing players whose contracts have expired. This approach allows Lazio to add depth without triggering transfer fees, a common strategy for clubs balancing financial fair play requirements with squad needs.
Chance analysis
Lazio's pivot to the free-agent market signals a pragmatic approach to squad building in a tight financial window. Targeting three players at once suggests Lazio are planning to address multiple positions, likely in defense and attack. Free-agent moves are low-risk but can deliver strong value when clubs identify players eager to prove themselves. Whether all three deals materialize remains to be seen, but the breadth of targets shows Lazio's recruitment team is casting a wide net ahead of the new season.
If completed, these signings would add depth to Lazio's defensive and attacking options without significant financial outlay.