Leeds United Near Breakthrough for Prolific Defender Danilho Doekhi

Leeds United are reportedly closing in on their first major acquisition of the January 2026 window, having reached a personal agreement with Union Berlin standout Danilho Doekhi. The 27-year-old Dutch centre-back has emerged as Daniel Farke’s primary target to bolster a defensive line recently thinned by injuries.

​While technically entering the final six months of his contract—making him a “summer free agent”—the urgency at Elland Road has accelerated a mid-season move. Doekhi has reportedly rejected a contract extension in Germany, signaling his clear intent to join the Leeds project. For Union Berlin, the choice is stark: cash in now for a fee in the region of £11 million or lose their star defender for nothing in July.

​Doekhi isn’t just a traditional stopper; he has become one of Europe’s most prolific defenders this season, netting six goals in 18 Bundesliga appearances. His aerial dominance and set-piece threat are seen as the “missing piece” for Farke’s 3-5-2 system. Despite late interest from Aston Villa, Leeds remain the frontrunners, with sources suggesting the player is “very keen” to test himself in the Premier League under Farke’s guidance.