Lazio Tried to Sign Union Berlin Defender Before Turning to Marseille’s Samuel Gigot | OneFootball

Lazio had reportedly launched an attempt to acquire the services of Diogo Leite before resorting to Samuel Gigot.

The Biancocelesti decided to tweak their defensive department just when the summer transfer session was drawing to a close and Sporting Director Angelo Fabiani managed to pull it off just in time. He sent Nicolo Casale to Bologna on loan with an obligation to buy following a disappointing start to the season and replaced him with Marseille’s Gigot.

Both operations were finalized on the deadline day, but According to Maisfutebol (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), the Frenchman wasn’t the only defender on Fabiani’s shortlist.

Failed Pursuit of Union Berlin’s Diogo Leite

Lazio were keeping tabs on several profiles, including Union Berlin’s Leite. The 25-year-old is a Porto youth product who rose through the club’s ranks before making the move to the German capital in 2022. He has established himself as a pillar at the back for the Bundesliga side, catching the attention of a host of clubs across the continent.

As the source explains, Fiorentina, Milan, Bayer Leverkusen and Leipzig were also tracking the Portuguese defender during the summer transfer session. However, Union asked for €18 million to part ways with the player, which repelled all suitors, including Lazio.

Therefore, Leite eventually remained at the German club, while Gigot arrived to bolster Marco Baroni’s squad.