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Potter’s perfect signing: West Ham can land leading Bundesliga star to solve big problem
Robin Bairner
- Updated: 24 May 2025 19:05 BST
- 12 min read
Analysis
One of West Ham United’s priorities for the summer transfer window will be to strengthen the defence of Graham Potter’s side. The Hammers should look to the Bundesliga for a 26-year-old who ticks all their boxes.
FootballTransfers understands that Diogo Leite has caught the eye of numerous clubs around Europe, with interest in the Portuguese from the Premier League, Bundesliga and Serie A.
One of the German top-flight’s best centre-backs this season, he could be a bargain signing for the Londoners to rebuild their defence around.
AC Milan and RB Leipzig both tried to sign him last summer, and it looks very likely that he will be on the move in the coming weeks.
Current ETV
Diogo Leite
D (CL)
Diogo Leite
D (CL)
Union Berlin
ETV Range
€11.6M - €14.2M
How good is Diogo Leite?
Leite was one of the Bundesliga’s leading defenders last season, according to data analytics firm SciSports, which rates the former Porto player comfortably in the best 10 centre-backs.
He is a centre-back who loves defending. He ranked fourth in the Bundesliga for blocks but also for interceptions, highlighting an ability to read the game.
This is highlighted by SciSports rating him among the top third of players in the German top-flight in terms of defensive positioning, open-play disruption and transition forcing.
Leite is also extremely good in possession, showing strong technical attributes. He is particularly strong in terms of his passing, something that Potter would no doubt appreciate at West Ham.
Diogo Leite vs Bundesliga centre-backs: Overall performance 2024/25
A strong fit
West Ham come out on top of SciSports’ analysis for Leite’s best destination. This is based upon a variety of factors, including potential development, playing time, playing style and formation.
The Hammers get a Club Fit score of 78, which is higher than any other team.
Leite would get ample playing time under Potter while he fits West Ham’s style perfectly. The only concerns are over the manager’s preferred formation and the fact that he may not reach his full potential at the club.
Nevertheless, with an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €17m, he could be a potential bargain for Potter’s side.
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