Fiorentina Targets Diogo Leite Amid Union Berlin’s Strategic Decisions

Sport Bild reports that Fiorentina is keen on acquiring Union Berlin center-back Diogo Leite as soon as possible. The 26-year-old defender is under contract until the conclusion of the current Bundesliga season. Although he has recently been re-integrated into head coach Steffen Baumgart’s lineup, it is anticipated that Union Berlin will seek to capitalize on Leite’s value in the January transfer window.

Leite’s desire to leave the club earlier this season resulted in his initial exclusion from Baumgart’s plans. Union’s attempts to facilitate Leite’s transfer during the last autumn transfer window were unsuccessful, culminating in the rejection of a €10 million offer from Fiorentina, as Union demanded a bid of €12 million.

After missing the first three matches of the season, Leite has participated in the last seven league fixtures for Union. In his absence, the team conceded eight goals; however, upon his return, the squad has permitted only seven goals across the next seven matches.

Union Berlin faced challenges in retaining both Leite and his central defensive partner Danilho Doekhi last summer. Given that Doekhi has emerged as a significant goal-scoring threat, it stands to reason that Union may adjust their financial expectations for both players.

Leite holds an estimated market value of €12 million, yet Union Berlin can justifiably demand a higher price. Likewise, Doekhi’s current market value is estimated at €13 million, which is expected to increase in the upcoming Transfermarkt update in November.