Leeds United given green light to seal Danilho Doekhi transfer after Union Berlin done deal
Danilho Doekhi could become Leeds United’s first signing of the January transfer window.
Daniel Farke has rushed to bolster his defence with quality, and Doekhi has emerged as a primary target for Leeds, with the 27-year-old’s contract expiring in June.
Doekhi is pushing to leave Union Berlin and has already outlined his desire to exit the Bundesliga side by the time the summer transfer window rolls around.
That is music to the ears of everyone associated with Leeds, who could have a brand new defender to challenge the likes of Joe Rodon, Pascal Strujik and Jaka Bijol.
Leeds United edging closer to signing Danilho Doekhi
The domino effect often comes into play during a transfer window, and the Yorkshire outfit are at the centre of one involving Doekhi.
News broke on Sunday that Union Berlin are closing in on signing Zeno Van Den Bosch from Royal Antwerp after agreeing a deal with the Belgian side.
🚨💥 EXCL | Zeno Van Den Bosch to Union Berlin – DONE DEAL ✔️
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) January 12, 2026
Medical completed, contracts signed. The 22 y/o centre-back will join Union Berlin in the summer on a free transfer, as his contract with Royal Antwerp expires.@SkySportDE 🇧🇪 pic.twitter.com/XfxtK93PPn
Only a medical was standing in the way of Van den Bosch moving to the German side, and now, Florian Plettenberg has reported that his medical has been completed, and he will officially join Union on a free transfer in the summer.
Union capturing a new centre-back has only accelerated the chances of Leeds securing Doekhi’s signature, and this news could push him a step closer to Elland Road.
Leeds fans will be excited about this prospect, as the Dutchman has showcased his aerial prowess this term with six goals in 19 appearances across all competitions.
Doekhi among Europe’s best in the air
Farke has assembled a squad in West Yorkshire that no one likes coming against due to the height and physical strength they boast across the pitch.
Standing at 6′ 3″, the addition of Doekhi will only strike more fear into the opposition while improving their threat from set-pieces.
| Danilho Doekhi 2025/26 Bundesliga stats |
| 16 appearances |
| 4 goals |
| 4 clean sheets |
| 1.9 tackles per game |
| 1.3 interceptions per game |
| 5.3 clearances per game |
As highlighted by FBref, Doekhi ranks in the top three per cent of centre-backs across Europe’s top five leagues for aerials won per 90 and the top eight per cent for non-penalty goals.
That has led to Doekhi receiving comparisons to Virgil van Dijk, arguably one of the best defenders of this generation at dominating in both boxes.
If he could become half the player Van Dijk is at Elland Road, then he would become an instant success.