Diogo Leite ‘highly regarded’ at Everton as defensive depth eyed, exit likely this summer
Diogo Leite has emerged as a possible transfer target for Everton as David Moyes looks to improve his squad options.
It will not be long until the full circus of the transfer puts its wheels in motions, with just one game left of this Premier League season.
Everton will not be able to hand themselves a boost in the transfer market by securing European football, but they can still end the season on a high.
Next season, ambitions will be higher, especially after coming so close to achieving qualification to Europe.
Ahead of Everton’s summer window, the links have been coming out, with Union Berlin defender Leite now one of those names.
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What has been said about Everton’s interest in Diogo Leite?
Everton will need reinforcements all over the pitch, with many players set to depart this summer due to contracts expiring or loan deals ending.
Moyes’ squad has been bare bones at times, and one position left light has been centre-back due to Jake O’Brien moving to full-back.
| Everton players confirmed leaving | Reason for exit |
| Seamus Coleman | Contract expiry |
| Jack Grealish | End of loan |
| Tyrique George | End of loan |
Leite could be an option for the Toffees to fill that void ahead of the transfer window.
According to Estadio Deportivo, the Portuguese defender is “highly regarded” by Everton. However, there is plenty of competition in the race for the 27-year-old, including from Real Sociedad.
Several Serie A sides are thought to be looking at the Union Berlin star, while Eintracht Frankfurt and Besiktas are also in the mix.
Time will tell where the defender will end up, as he has plenty of options to choose from. However, with the Premier League being the biggest league in the world, that could advantage the Blues.
The arrival of Leite could help boost Everton from their 52-point maximum this season, and push for higher positions next campaign.
How much would Diogo Leite cost Everton?
If Everton are to push forward with a move for Leite, then the Toffees would not have to spend a dime on a transfer fee.
The Portuguese defender’s contract is set to end by 1 July 2026, and he is now allowed to speak with other sides over his future. It is likely he departs the German side.
His wages are also not too expensive either, with reports from Capology suggesting he is on around £25,130 per week in the Bundesliga.
It certainly looks to be a good value deal for the Toffees to get involved with, and with him being left-footed, he would provide excellent cover for Jarrad Branthwaite, who has his well-documented injury issues.
Other defensive signings such as interest in Roland Sallai suggest quite the shake-up this summer.
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