Fabiani Spotted in Croatia as Lazio Open Direct Talks for Ex-Barcelona Defender

By admin — In News — July 9, 2026

   ​Lazio’s sporting director Angelo Fabiani has touched down in Croatia to hold negotiations with Dinamo Zagreb over Sergi Dominguez. The Aquile recently agreed to a €30 million deal with AC Milan for Mario Gila, and Alessio Romagnoli has long been cleared to complete his transfer to Al-Sadd. With those moves in motion, Lazio are pressing to sign at least one new centre-back this summer, and Dominguez has topped their list of targets.
Italian journalist Alfredo Pedullà reports that Lazio and Dinamo Zagreb are set to enter direct talks, with the Croatian champions seeking €15 million plus bonuses. This asking price aligns with what Il Messaggero has indicated, noting that Dominguez’s boyhood club Barcelona will receive a 20% sell-on fee. The Rome-based newspaper also states that Lazio’s current bid sits around €10 million, leaving a substantial gap between the two sides and underscoring the need for a face-to-face meeting.
As a result, Fabiani traveled to Croatia on Thursday morning, with sightings placing him in Split, as reported by Calciopitolino.it. Dominguez is a product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy. He stepped away from the Barcelona system last year in search of a more prominent role and found it with Dinamo Zagreb. In his first season with the Croatian club, the 21-year-old established himself as a regular from the outset, tallying two goals and four assists in 41 appearances while helping Dinamo Zagreb secure a domestic double.
Dominguez’s development has positioned him as a valuable asset for Lazio, who view him as an ideal solution to reinforce their central defense. The Spaniard’s versatility, technical ability, and experience in European competition make him an attractive option for a club intent on maintaining a strong defensive unit ahead of the upcoming campaign. The ongoing talks between Lazio and Dinamo Zagreb will determine whether Dominguez can become Lazio’s next key defensive acquisition, as Fabiani’s mission in Croatia signals Lazio’s strong commitment to strengthening their back line this summer.
The broader context for Lazio’s defensive recruitment includes their recent confirmed agreement with Milan for Mario Gila and the anticipated move of Alessio Romagnoli to Al-Sadd. With those two deals progressing, Lazio are strategically prioritizing the fortification of their central defense, recognizing the need for depth and quality at centre-back. Dominguez’s potential arrival would align with Lazio’s plans to cultivate a resilient and dynamic back four, capable of competing at high levels across Serie A and European competitions.
As negotiations progress, all eyes will be on the price tag and the terms of any potential deal, including whether Dinamo Zagreb will concede closer to Lazio’s €10 million opening bid or hold firm at €15 million plus bonuses. The outcome of these discussions could shape Lazio’s summer transfer activities, influencing their ability to secure a reliable centre-back option in time for the new season. For now, Fabiani’s journey to Split underscores Lazio’s determination to finalize a deal that could bolster their defense and support their ambitions going forward.  

Content Source: Yahoo News

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