'Keen' - Fabrizio Romano credits Leeds United with interest in Union Berlin star Danilho Doekhi
Fabrizio Romano credits Leeds United with interest in Union Berlin defender Danilho Doekhi
Talk of interest from Leeds United in Union Berlin star Danilho Doekhi has resurfaced.
The 27-year-old is enjoying another impressive campaign in the Bundesliga and has even weighed in with five goals from centre-back across 31 appearances.
He was linked with Leeds in the winter transfer window, but the deadline passed with Doekhi still on the books in the German capital.
Leeds United ‘keen’ on Union Berlin’s Danilho Doekhi
His contract is due to expire at the end of the season and according to reporter Fabrizio Romano, Doekhi is of interest to the Whites.
There is also thought to be interest from German giants Borussia Dortmund, as well as clubs in Saudi Arabia backed by the Public Investment Fund, the country’s sovereign wealth fund. Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr were all taken over by the PIF in 2023.
Posting on X, Romano 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’s defence
A former Netherlands youth international, Doekhi would arguably be a shrewd addition for a raft of Premier League clubs.
Leeds are seemingly looking to bolster their backline, having been linked with a clutch of centre-backs of late. Among those to have been mooted as potential targets are Wolverhampton Wanderers duo Santiago Bueno and Ladislav Krejčí.
Meanwhile, there continues to be talk of interest from rivals in long-serving Leeds defender Pascal Struijk. If the 26-year-old was sold this summer, the gap would need to be plugged.
Struijk has recently been lining up in a central back three alongside Jaka Bijol and James Justin, with Joe Rodon having had to battle back from injury.
Belgium-capped Sebastiaan Bornauw is also at Daniel Farke’s disposal but has played a bit-part role since his switch from Wolfsburg last summer.