The Biancocelesti made the decision to make changes to their defense unit right before the summer transfer window closed. Angelo Fabiani, the club's sporting director, pulled it off barely in time. After a dismal season opener, he transferred Nicolo Casale on loan with an obligation to purchase to Bologna and replaced him with Samuel Gigot from Marseille. However, Fabiani's shortlist had more defenders than only the Frenchman. Rather, Lazio was monitoring many profiles, one of which was that of Diogo Leite from Union Berlin.

The 25-year-old, a product of Porto's academy, advanced through the team's ranks before moving to Berlin in 2022. His reputation as the Bundesliga team's pillar at defense has drawn interest from other teams around the continent. Throughout the summer transfer window, Leipzig, Fiorentina, Milan, and Bayer Leverkusen were all keeping an eye on the Portuguese defender. But, in order to part ways with the player, Union demanded €18 million, which turned away every suitor—including Lazio.