Overview

• Manager Horst Heldt says Leite remains outside the full matchday squad despite resuming parts of team training after weeks of individual work.
• The center-back sought a transfer all summer, but talks that were described as close never produced an agreement before Germany’s deadline.
• Exit routes remain open in leagues with later cutoffs, including Saudi Arabia on September 11, Turkey on September 12 and Portugal on September 16.
• Uncertainty over Leite led Union to drop a planned move for Jeremiah St. Juste and raised concerns about defensive depth should Leite still depart.
• With Leite under contract until 2026, Union weighs lost near-term fee potential and reintegration challenges, while counting the €11.5 million sale of Benedict Hollerbach as a financial positive.