Atalanta Transfer Market: Nerazzurri Have Their Backs Against the Wall Over Alessio Romagnoli
Alessio Romagnoli did not take part in the match against Mantova, as he was officially left off the roster due to a physical issue. Beyond his absence, however, the center back’s future seems to be drifting further and further away from Lazio. In fact, talks with Al-Sadd have resumed in recent days, and the Qatari club has reportedly asked the player to be patient a little longer while they work to finalize the deal. The possibility of a move to Atalanta also remains on the table—a destination that would allow Romagnoli to reunite with Maurizio Sarri. Before taking concrete action, however, the Bergamo-based club must complete a few transfers and free up space on the roster.
The stalemate with the Qatari club stems from a series of non-soccer-related factors that have complicated a deal that seemed all but finalized. The death of former Qatari Emir Hamad Bin Khalifa al Thani—which led to the declaration of national mourning—and geopolitical tensions linked to an attack on an oil well have prompted the Qatari ministry to freeze investments in the sports sector in order to redirect resources toward defense. Vincenzo Raiola, the defender’s agent, had provided an update on the situation, stating that Al-Sadd still wants Romagnoli but cannot sign any agreement until the ministry’s budget is unfrozen. The agent added that he could not, however, envision a future for his client at Lazio—remarks that sparked furious reactions from many Biancocelesti fans on social media.
On the Atalanta front, the Nerazzurri are facing a significant defensive crisis. The sale of Berat Djimsiti to Al-Diriyah for approximately 3 million euros and the serious injury to Isak Hien—who is not expected to return before October—have made the need for defensive reinforcements even more urgent for Maurizio Sarri. Sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli is working to find the right solution, with Romagnoli remaining the Tuscan coach’s top choice, as Sarri knows him well from his time at Lazio. But time is running out… .
It’s worth noting that Romagnoli has a contract with Lazio through 2027, which puts Claudio Lotito in a position where he must sell him during this transfer window to avoid losing him on a free transfer in twelve months. The center back, born in 1995, came up through Roma’s youth system and was a key player for years at Milan—where he won a Scudetto and an Italian Super Cup—before joining Lazio on a free transfer in the summer of 2022.
Lazio’s heavy defeat against Mantova in the Coppa Italia has further complicated the situation. Gattuso’s team was defeated 2-0 at the Olimpico by the Serie B side, with goals from Ruocco in the 75th minute and Cajazzo in the 96th minute, undoing an initially promising performance highlighted by Dele-Bashiru hitting the post. This result increases the pressure on Lazio’s management and makes it even more urgent to make moves in the transfer market, including in the attack, where a possible loan of Lorenzo Lucca from Napoli is among the options being considered.
