Leeds United handed transfer opportunity as Danilho Doekhi's Union Berlin exit confirmed
Leeds United handed transfer opportunity as Union Berlin make Danilho Doekhi announcement
Union Berlin have confirmed the departure of Leeds United-linked defender Danilho Doekhi.
The 27-year-old has been a rock for the Bundesliga outfit and has not missed a single minute of action since January 2024.
He was linked with a move to Leeds in January, only for reports to indicate a switch to West Yorkshire was not set to materialise.
However, talk of interest from Elland Road resurfaced last month when transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano claimed the Whites were “keen”.
Posting on X, he said: “Danilho Doekhi, set to leave Union Berlin on a free transfer and already attracting a strong interest from PIF-backed clubs in Saudi Arabia.
“Borussia Dortmund and Leeds United also keen on the CB who has not missed a single minute of Bundesliga action for two seasons in a row - also scoring seven goals.”
Leeds United-linked defender set for pastures new
Doekhi has now officially joined the free agent market, as Union Berlin have confirmed he will seek pastures new after their season finale against Augsburg tomorrow (May 16).
A club statement read: “Danilho Doekhi has been at least as significant as his partner at the back over the last few years. And the towering Netherlands-born right-footer made not only a great impact at the back, but also contributed a remarkable 16 goals and three assists in 135 competitive matches for Union so far.
“How important ‘Doeks’ was for the team is also reflected in the fact that the 27-year-old has played every single minute of every single game since January 28, 2024. But as the vice-captain's understudy, and valued member of the team council, Doekhi was just as valuable off the pitch.”
Leeds United’s centre-back focus
If Leeds have indeed maintained interest in Doekhi, they now have a major opportunity to snap up a highly-rated player on a free transfer.
The former Netherlands youth international would arguably be a coup for the Whites, who have been more reliant on centre-backs since their formation change back in November.
Leeds have also been linked with Wolverhampton Wanderers duo Santiago Bueno and Ladislav Krecji, who have suffered relegation from the Premier League with the Midlands club.