Union Berlin head coach speaks on benching of want-away defender Diogo Leite | OneFootball

Union Berlin head coach Steffen Baumgart has confirmed that defender Diogo Leite will likely be leaving his current Bundesliga club. The €17m-valued Portuguese centre-back was deliberately benched during Union’s pre-season friendlies and was also not used in Union’s opening round cup fixture. Where the 26-year-old might be headed remains unclear.

Leite and his fellow highly valued central defensive colleague Danilho Doekhi are both considered candidates for departure. Together, the pair a worth an estimated €30m. Union saw their summer transfer balance shrink this week with the signing of German left back Derrick Köhn away from Galatasaray Istanbul for €4m.

“Diogo is not in training,” Baumgart confirmed at a Thursday press conference. “There is due to a situation that we’re all aware of. We’re dealing with this situation. We will see what happens and then adjust to matters accordingly.”

“Derrick will not play from the start,” Baumgart added in reference to his new highly-prized signing. “but he’s an option for the squad. He brings a lot of qualities that we believe will improve our game. He’s a straightforward player with solid assertiveness going forward.”

GGFN | Peter Weis