Lazio book medicals for free agent Leite to replace Romagnoli

The Serie A transfer deadline passed on Thursday, but Lazio are set to sign a new defender on the free agent market after parting ways with Alessio Romagnoli, who has moved to Al-Sadd in the Qatar Stars League. Romagnoli, a 31-year-old central defender, officially left Lazio's Stadio Olimpico after four seasons with the club. Lazio are believed to be nearing a deal for 27-year-old Diogo Leite, a former Portugal youth international who has been available since his exit from Union Berlin this summer.

Leite, a former Porto academy product, has spent time in the Bundesliga and Portuguese top flight with Braga, whom he joined on loan in the 2021-22 season. According to transfer expert Matteo Moretto, Lazio have arranged for Leite to undergo a medical examination on Sunday, with a three-year contract expected if the deal is finalized.

Upon signing, Leite would join former Union centre-back partner Danilho Doekhi, who also moved to Lazio from the Bundesliga on a free transfer earlier this summer.