Fiorentina Make Their Move For Africa Cup Of Nations Defender Sikou Niakate
Fiorentina are keen on Sikou Niakate, who was in the Mali squad for the latest Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Updated on 20 January 2026
Fiorentina have made an approach for Braga’s Mali international defender Sikou Niakate, according to reports.
The Viola have already signed Manor Solomon and Jack Harrison in the January transfer window, but they want more.
In addition, several players are set to leave the club. For instance, Amir Richardson is FC Copenhagen-bound.
Edin Dzeko could also leave, with Schalke reportedly leading the race for the Bosnia & Herzegovina international.
Fiorentina are now looking to bring in a new defender for Paolo Vanoli, and Niakate is in their sights.
Braga stance towards Fiorentina move for Sikou Niakate
Fabrizio Romano has reported that Fiorentina have contacted Braga to make an approach for Sikou Niakate.
The Viola’s idea is to sign the 26-year-old on a loan deal with a buy option at the end of the move.
However, Braga are not convinced by that structure and want a different formula before allowing the Mali international to leave.
That leaves talks in an early phase, with Fiorentina needing to decide whether to change terms or move on to other targets.
🚨🟣 EXCL: Fiorentina make approach for Braga centre back Sikou Niakaté on loan with buy option clause.
Braga want different formula to let the CB leave. pic.twitter.com/xJAjBf66Hp
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 20, 2026
What Sikou Niakate can bring to Fiorentina
Sikou Niakate is a left-footed, athletic centre-back who is comfortable defending big spaces.
At 6ft 1in, he brings size in the air and looks suited to physical Serie A duels. And he still has the pace to recover when attacks break.
A key plus is Niakate’s ability to carry the ball forward and play through pressure.
He has great mobility and shows willingness to step out and defend aggressively, traits that can help a team win the ball higher up.
Niakate also has European experience with Braga and international minutes with Mali, including at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.
He was also in Mali’s squad for the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations, though he did not play for his nation.
In short, Niakate looks like a defender who can add balance, intensity and progression from the left side of Fiorentina’s defence.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Giuseppe Labellarte is a sports journalist with over a decade of professional experience in the industry. His main professional expertise is in soccer. Prior to joining FootItalia, he worked for the likes of Sports Mole, TBR Football, the Chelsea Chronicle and numerous other sites, along with having bylines in the likes of the Nottingham Post. He holds degrees in Journalism and International Relations.
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