According to Tuttomercato, Fiorentina attempted to set up a loan deal with an option to buy for Sikou Niakaté, but negotiations did not progress because Braga insisted on an obligation to buy.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Fiorentina has contacted Portuguese Primeira Liga club Braga to inquire about 26-year-old Malian centre-back Sikou Niakaté as the Italian club seeks to strengthen its defense. Fiorentina's proposal is to sign the player on a loan deal that includes an option to buy, but Braga reportedly prefers a different transfer arrangement to approve his departure in the current window. Niakaté has made 9 league appearances this season and is under contract until June 2028. His current market value is €8.00m, according to Transfermarkt. The defender has been capped 14 times by Mali, scoring one goal, and Bologna is also reported to be interested in him.