Key Points
- Union Berlin are close to signing Zeno van den Bosch from Royal Antwerp as a replacement for Danilho Doekhi.
- Van den Bosch is set to undergo a medical soon, with a contract until 2030 agreed in principle.
- Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke is a major admirer of the 27-year-old Doekhi.
- Doekhi has attracted interest from Premier League clubs including Leeds United and Aston Villa.
- Union Berlin are open to a January sale of Doekhi, whose contract expires in summer 2026.
- The potential transfer fee for Doekhi is reported around €13 million.
Leeds (The Leeds Times) January 13, 2026 – Leeds United have received a significant boost in their pursuit of Union Berlin defender Danilho Doekhi after reports emerged from Germany indicating the Bundesliga club are lining up his replacement.
The 27-year-old centre-back, who has scored four goals in 16 Bundesliga appearances this season, is admired by Leeds head coach Daniel Farke and has also caught the eye of Aston Villa.
What Boost Has Leeds Received in the Doekhi Chase?
According to German journalist Florian Plettenberg, Union Berlin are preparing for Doekhi’s departure in January by closing in on a deal for Royal Antwerp’s Zeno van den Bosch. Sports Mole reports that the 22-year-old towering defender is expected to complete a medical at Union Berlin soon, with the two parties edging towards a financial agreement and a contract until summer 2030.
As reported by Florian Plettenberg via Sports Mole, this development signals Union’s readiness to let Doekhi move abroad, potentially paving the way for Leeds to secure his signature this transfer window.
Why Is Daniel Farke Keen on Danilho Doekhi?
Leeds head coach Daniel Farke has been keeping tabs on Doekhi for years, viewing him as a key addition to bolster the squad’s defensive depth. The Whites have recently switched to a 5-3-2 formation, which relies heavily on a strong selection of central defenders, making Doekhi’s experience an ideal fit.
What Is Doekhi’s Background and Form?
Doekhi joined Union Berlin from Vitesse in the Netherlands in July 2022 and has since made 119 appearances for the club. This season, the defender, who has youth international experience with the Netherlands and could switch allegiance to Suriname, has demonstrated his attacking threat from defence with four goals in 16 league outings. OneFootball notes that Union’s move for a replacement has given Leeds a double green light in their pursuit of Farke’s dream target.
What Are the Transfer Details Surrounding Doekhi?
Union Berlin’s contract with Doekhi runs until summer 2026, but the club have made it clear they are open to a January sale to secure a transfer fee rather than risk losing him for free. Reports suggest a fee around €13 million, equivalent to approximately £11 million, could be enough to prise him away from the German capital.
Leeds’ interest aligns with their need for reinforcements amid a strong campaign in the Championship, where defensive solidity has been crucial to their promotion push. Sports Mole highlights that Farke’s fandom of Doekhi positions him as a huge potential boost at Elland Road this month.
While no deal has been finalised, the emerging updates from Germany represent a positive twist for Leeds United supporters hoping for defensive reinforcements before the transfer window closes.
