Leeds United are one of the clubs interested in signing Union Berlin centre-back Danilho Doekhi this summer, as his contract expires imminently.
United have survival to focus on before any ambitious new signings can be rubber-stamped by the club in the summer. Beating Burnley would put Leeds on the cusp of confirming safety for the campaign.
After that, you’d hope that the 49ers are already doing their due diligence on targets, to get a headstart before 26/27.
Leeds United interested in Danilho Doekhi free transfer alongside Borussia Dortmund – Fabrizio Romano
Back in the January window, Leeds were heavily linked with a move to sign Union Berlin centre-back Danilho Doekhi. Importantly, the Bundesliga stalwart had turned down the chance to pen fresh terms, and therefore would have commanded a reduced fee before his contract expired this summer.
With no sign of Doekhi changing his mind, he’s set to be available for nothing this summer. And, Leeds are claimed by Fabrizio Romano to still be interested.
He reports that Leeds, Borussia Dortmund and PIF-backed Saudi Arabian clubs are keen on the 27-year-old centre-back, as a decision looms on his future.
🚨 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 2 seasons in a row —… pic.twitter.com/sCsiqgv9Z3
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 29, 2026
Indeed, Doekhi hasn’t missed a minute of league action at Union Berlin since the start of the 24/25 campaign. He played 34 full 90s last season, while playing 31 so far this campaign.
Doekhi has previously crossed paths with a couple of the Leeds squad. At Union Berlin since 2022, he played alongside Brenden Aaronson (loan) in the 23/24 campaign. Also, being a Dutch youth international, Doekhi was in the same Netherlands U20 squad as Joel Piroe in 2018.
Leeds United have opportunity for smart squad-building transfers this summer, including Danilho Doekhi
When a player with consistent top-flight appearances and strong performances under their belt is available for free, you have to consider it.
He could add some key depth to our back five. Not only that, but would be a regular goal threat too – scoring five this season.
When you think that we want to go up another level upon clinching safety, this sort of signing for free could allow us a huge signing in another position higher up.
There’s not been a whole lot wrong with our defence since the change in formation. The task for the 49ers and Farke is moulding our setup in a way that breeds consistency. A top flight ever-present like Doekhi is a smart way to go about it.
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