Italian defender Alessio Romagnoli has finalized his protracted transfer to Al-Sadd, marking the successful conclusion of negotiations that spanned several months. The 31-year-old expressed immense satisfaction with the move, particularly after an initial attempt to join the Qatari club in January had unexpectedly faltered. The deal, valued at a reported €3 million, secures Romagnoli’s services until June 2029, promising a new chapter in his distinguished career.
Romagnoli’s Long-Awaited Arrival at Al-Sadd
Alessio Romagnoli’s transfer journey to Al-Sadd has been a lengthy one. The experienced central defender had initially anticipated a move during the January transfer window of 2026. At that time, he had already bid farewell to the fans of his former club, Lazio, believing the deal was imminent. However, unforeseen complications arose, leading to the collapse of the transfer, much to his disappointment. Despite the setback, both parties remained committed to the move, intending to revisit negotiations in the summer. Yet, the resolution proved to be more elusive than anticipated, as discussions once again extended beyond initial expectations.
Ultimately, the persistent efforts bore fruit, and Romagnoli officially joined Al-Sadd this week. The player conveyed his excitement and relief in a recent interview with the club’s official channels. “I was genuinely curious about this opportunity, and now that it’s realized, I couldn’t be happier,” Romagnoli stated. “We’ve been in discussions for many months about this possibility, and the positive impression the city and the club have made on me is significant. It’s a beautiful city, and Al-Sadd is clearly a strong club. I’m thrilled to be here.”
He further elaborated on the previous delay, saying, “I had wanted to make this move to Al-Sadd back in January, but there were some issues with my previous club that prevented it. We had to postpone my arrival, but in hindsight, it was certainly worth the wait. These past months were filled with continuous calls and messages, a testament to the mutual desire to make this happen. In the end, we achieved what we had both envisioned.” Romagnoli concluded with a resolute statement, emphasizing his commitment to his new team: “I wanted to be here, Al-Sadd wanted me, and now we are both content. It is now my responsibility to demonstrate my worth on the field.”
Throughout his career, Romagnoli has always held a special affinity for Lazio, a club he supported from a young age. He fulfilled a lifelong dream by joining Lazio as a free agent in 2022, following the expiration of his contract with AC Milan. His earlier career saw him develop through the youth ranks of AS Roma, a rival of Lazio, and also featured stints at Sampdoria and AC Milan, making his journey to his boyhood club, and now to Al-Sadd, particularly noteworthy.
", "status": "succe