Alessio Romagnoli joins Al Sadd after six-month wait for transfer

Al Sadd have completed the signing of Lazio captain Alessio Romagnoli, six months after a proposed move to the Qatari club collapsed on the final day of the winter transfer window.

The Italian has signed a contract with Al Sadd that runs until 2029. The deal is reported to have been completed for a fee of 3m euros.

Qatar’s summer transfer window remains open until the middle of September, giving Al Sadd enough time to finalise the move that could not be registered earlier this year.

Romagnoli did not feature in either of Lazio’s first two matches of the current season. His absence came as Al Sadd revived their pursuit of the 31-year-old, having already reached an agreement with the Italian club during the previous transfer window.

The move had appeared to be complete in January. Al Sadd and Lazio reached a final agreement on the last day of the winter window, and the necessary contracts were signed.

However, the Qatari club was unable to complete the formal registration procedures before the transfer deadline. With time running out, the deal was cancelled at the last moment despite Al Sadd having received the green light to proceed.

Once the Qatar transfer market closed, Romagnoli had no option but to return to Lazio. He found himself in a difficult position, having prepared to leave the club and with the arrangements for his departure already in place, only to begin another chapter with the side he had expected to leave.

The failed January transfer meant the Italian had to wait a further six months before completing his move to Al Sadd. The agreement has now been concluded during the summer window, with Romagnoli set to remain under contract in Qatar until 2029.

Romagnoli began his professional career with Roma in 2012. He later represented Sampdoria and Milan before joining Lazio, where he became the club’s captain.

His transfer to Al Sadd brings an end to his latest spell with Lazio and completes a move that had been delayed rather than abandoned after the breakdown of the January registration process.