In the run-up to the 2022/23 season, 1. FC Union Berlin signed Diogo Leite on loan from FC Porto. Now, almost a year later, they have agreed to purchase the defender outright.
A regular almost immediately
After his arrival in Berlin, the 24-year-old quickly established himself as an important component of head coach, Urs Fischer’s, defence. He played 40 of a possible 48 games in all competitions and didn’t play the full 90 minutes in only five of those. He made one assist and was rewarded for his consistently excellent performances with his first call-up for the Portuguese national squad in March 2023.
The views on the deal
“I felt very comfortable here at Union right from the start and I am even happier that I was able to give some good performances,” said Leite about the decision for him to remain in Köpenick. “The season was both very successful, and a lot of fun. I hope that this can continue and that we can achieve our further goals.”
“Diogo immediately established himself as a regular player and, with few exceptions, performed very well in his first year,” commented Union’s director of professional football, Oliver Ruhnert, on the deal. “It was therefore clear to us that we wanted to keep a player with his skills, mentality, and commitment at the club. In addition, we believe that Diogo has further potential for improvement, and we are looking forward to continuing to work with him.”