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.