Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media

Richie Mills

Thu 30 April 2026 7:40, UK

Leeds United have been warned that transfer target Danilho Doekhi’s lack of mobility may be exploited in the Premier League.

That is according to German football expert Keven Bader, who exclusively told MOT Leeds News that the Union Berlin star is superb in the air, but on the counter-attack, he is vulnerable.

Leeds have been linked with the 27-year-old for much of the season, with the centre-back set to become a free agent when his contract expires this summer.

The 6ft 3in defender will not be short of suitors in the coming months but it is not yet known where he will head to next.

As Leeds continue to show interest in Doekhi, the pluses and minuses of an Elland Road switch have been assessed.

The ups and downs of a Danilho Doekhi move to Leeds

Doekhi has been a key player at Union since his move from Dutch side Vitesse in 2022.

Since then, he has made 134 appearances, scoring 16 goals along the way. His defensive prowess has caught Leeds’ eye but he has some weaknesses as well.

Fotbollskanalen writer Bader believes that Doekhi can thrive in the Premier League in the right system where his lack of pace doesn’t get exposed too often.

However, he feels that Serie A may be better for the former Netherlands Under-21 international.

He said, “Danilho Doekhi’s greatest strength is undoubtedly his physical presence. At 1.90 meters, he is a giant in the air and is highly skilled in duels.

“He is tactically smart inside the penalty area when it comes to defending. Looking at his weaknesses, it is primarily his mobility and pace that stand out. Acceleration, in particular, is not one of the defender’s strong suits.

“I think he could do well in the Premier League, if used correctly. If he plays in a system with a high defensive line, I believe he will be heavily punished. As mentioned, he is significantly more effective in a deep-lying defence.

“He definitely could have offered Leeds a great deal defensively when it comes to physical presence, but I think a move to Serie A would have suited him better given his profile.”

Do Leeds need Doekhi?

When Leeds got promoted to the Premier League last summer, there was a clear transfer plan to sign tall, physically strong, and experienced players in their mid to late 20s.

Anton Stach, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Jaka Bijol are clear examples of that, with all three impressing for Leeds this season.

It is understandable why Leeds are interested in Doekhi, who has a passing success of 76 per cent that rises to 89 in his own half, but is he too similar a player to Bijol?

Both are 6ft 3in, strong in the air, and not the most fleet of foot. He would certainly be an improvement on Sebastiaan Bornauw and as a free transfer, it is a worthwhile move.

But whether he would improve Leeds’ starting XI is up for debate.