Leeds must take caution with Danilho Doekhi transfer as free agent status edges closer

Leeds United have been linked heavily with Danilho Doekhi over the last six months.

Staying in the Premier League will be the only thing on the minds of everyone at Elland Road for now, but once their league status is confirmed, recruitment plans will come into place.

The Whites will be looking to invest in some serious quality to help them build on some of their success in the current campaign, while also looking at bargain deals to help flesh out their squad.

Doekhi has been linked with Leeds United since the winter window, but if they are to pursue a deal, they must take note of the one downside that would come with his arrival.

Danilho Doekhi contract

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Danilho Doekhi would not suit Daniel Farke’s system

Daniel Farke has found the success at Elland Road this season due to their defensive nature, as well as the ability on the ball from those at the back.

Pascal Struijk, Joe Rodon and Jaka Bijol have all shown their composure on the ball, which is something that Doehki has struggled with in the Bundesliga.

Pass accuracyPlayerDribble success
75.9%Doekhi50%
88.4%Rodon100%
88%Struijk50%
85.4%Bijol100%

Doekhi’s passing stats stand out, and not for the right reasons.

His 75.9 per cent pass completion places him among the bottom 9.4 per cent of Bundesliga defenders, while his one completed dribble also places him among the bottom 20.8 per cent.

He has plenty to offer physically, but his limitations on the ball would be exposed in the Premier League, which could prove to be detrimental for Leeds if they are to pursue a deal.

Should Leeds still persue Doekhi transfer?

Doekhi could well be next summer’s Sebastian Bornauw, albeit without the transfer fee.

The Belgian was signed from Wolfsburg largely as a backup defender, and when called upon, he has done the job required at Elland Road with 13 appearances across all competitions.

And the likelihood is that a move for Doekhi would be with a similar view in mind, depending on any potential exits.

Leeds will still likely look to bring another top centre-back in, and if so, bringing Doekhi in on a free transfer would make plenty of sense.