Al-Diriyah Club is close to completing a prominent defensive deal by signing Portuguese defender Diogo Leite, former player of Germany's Union Berlin, as part of the club's preparations to strengthen its squad ahead of its first season in the Saudi Pro League (Roshn League).

Italian transfer market journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Al-Diriyah is nearing a final agreement with Diogo Leite, who became a free agent after the end of his spell with Germany's Union Berlin.

Romano wrote on his X account: "Al-Diriyah is close to reaching an agreement with Diogo Leite, available as a free agent after leaving Union Berlin, and negotiations have reached their final stages with the center-back."

Strengthening Al-Diriyah's Defense Ahead of Roshn League

This move is part of Al-Diriyah's management plan to support the team with players possessing European experience, in preparation for their first participation in the Saudi Roshn League, as the management seeks to build a team capable of competing and delivering strong performances in the new season.

Diogo Leite, 27, played 23 matches for Union Berlin last season, totaling 1,970 minutes, and provided stable defensive performances with the German team.

Leite graduated from the Portuguese Porto academy and made his first-team debut during the 2018-2019 season, before moving to Union Berlin, which activated the clause to permanently buy his contract in the summer of 2023 for seven million euros.