Leeds United are stepping up their pursuit of Union Berlin defender Danilho Doekhi, but the Premier League side are facing growing competition from Borussia Dortmund and several other European clubs for the highly-rated Dutch centre-back.
Doekhi is expected to become one of the most sought-after free agents this summer once his Union Berlin contract expires at the end of June. After two incredibly consistent seasons in Germany, where he played every minute of Bundesliga action while also adding goals from defence, interest in the 27-year-old has intensified across Europe.
Daniel Farke is understood to be a huge admirer of the Dutchman and has tracked him since his Norwich City days. The Leeds manager believes Doekhi would bring leadership, composure, physicality, and tactical flexibility to his backline, with the defender comfortable in both a three-man and four-man defence.
Leeds first explored a move during the January transfer window, but Doekhi decided against leaving Union Berlin midway through the season. Instead, the defender preferred to wait until the summer so he could assess a wider range of opportunities as a free agent.
Now, Leeds have reportedly reopened discussions as they attempt to convince the defender to make Elland Road his next destination.
However, securing his signature will be far from straightforward. Borussia Dortmund are pushing strongly for a deal and are believed to see Doekhi as an experienced yet low-cost defensive solution. Their ability to offer Champions League football could prove to be a major advantage in negotiations.
Interestingly, Leeds and Dortmund — cities historically linked through a twin-city partnership — now find themselves battling directly in the transfer market.
The race does not end there. Clubs from Saudi Arabia are also monitoring the situation closely and are prepared to offer significant financial packages, although sources suggest Doekhi currently favours remaining in European football.
Turkish giants Besiktas have also entered the picture after enquiring about the defender’s salary expectations. Their willingness to put forward a lucrative offer could make them serious contenders in the coming weeks.
Elsewhere, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, PSV Eindhoven, and several clubs in Italy and Germany have all been connected with the player at different stages, though some interest has either cooled or remains at an early stage.
Doekhi’s aerial strength, reliability, and ability to contribute goals from set-pieces have made him one of the standout defensive opportunities available on the market this summer.
Leeds remain firmly in the race after months of groundwork behind the scenes, but with Borussia Dortmund and several European clubs also circling, the battle for the Dutch defender is becoming increasingly intense.
A final decision on his future is expected soon.
