Diogu Leite, getty images 04 February 2026, 22:30

Berlin Union will have to do without one of the key defensive players – Diogo Leite for a long time. According to kicker, the Portuguese center back is out of action for four to six weeks due to a hip injury.

Leite suffered an injury in the Bundesliga match against Hoffenheim (1:3), when he was forced to leave the field in the 75th minute. The football player was immediately bandaged, and his pain was noticeable even during the game.

The injury could affect the possible transfer of the defender. Union sports director Horst Geldt confirmed that Leyte was in the field of interest of a number of clubs, even Barcelona were reported. However, the team never received any official offer.

“He was on the lists of many clubs, but there was no written offer,” said Geldt.

Earlier, the Italian media reported on the alleged agreement reached between Leyte and the Roman Lazio on a free transfer in the summer, because the player’s contract with Union expires after the season. However, according to kicker, the Portuguese has not yet signed any agreement and is keeping all options open.

Due to the injury, Leite will definitely miss the upcoming Bundesliga match against Eintracht Frankfurt. Also, Tom Rothe, Josyp Yuranovich and Robert Skov will not help the Union in this game.

The head coach of the team, Steffen Baumgart, expects that Leite’s replacement in the defense will be Stanley Nsoki, on loan from Hoffenheim.

The match between Union Berlin and Eintracht will take place on Friday, February 6 at 21:30.