Hellas Verona was interested in signing DR Congo international centre-forward Samuel Essende, but the 28-year-old does not want to leave Augsburg. His decision was made despite the likelihood that his playing time will decrease, due to the imminent transfer of Uchenna Ogundu and the club having already signed attackers Michael Gregoritsch and Rodrigo Ribeiro in the winter. Essende joined Augsburg in July 2024 and his contract runs until 2028. The forward, who has 11 caps and one goal for his country, has scored once in 14 Bundesliga appearances this season. His current market value is €3.50m, according to Transfermarkt.