- FC Union Berlin have confirmed that Danilho Doekhi, Diogo Leite, and Alex Král will leave the club when their contracts expire at the end of the current season. The Bundesliga side announced the departures on Thursday, alongside those of goalkeeping coach Michael Gspurning and physiotherapist Silvio Thieme.
Doekhi and Leite have formed a consistent central defensive partnership for Union over the past four seasons, becoming integral members of the team. Doekhi has made 136 appearances for the club, while Leite has featured in 135 matches, both establishing themselves as regular starters. Their departures represent a significant loss of experience and stability for the Union backline.
Král initially joined Union on loan from Spartak Moscow in 2023, making the move permanent later that year. The midfielder has since made 53 appearances for the club, contributing to Union’s midfield options. His exit adds another vacancy to the Union squad as they prepare for a period of rebuilding.
The club confirmed that all five departing individuals will be given a formal farewell before Saturday’s final home match of the season against Augsburg at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei. This will allow fans to show their appreciation for their contributions to the club.
Union Berlin have experienced a challenging season, currently sitting mid-table in the Bundesliga after a strong previous campaign where they qualified for the Champions League. The departures of Doekhi, Leite, and Král signal a potential shift in direction for the club as they look to reshape their squad for the future. The loss of these players will require Union to invest in replacements to maintain their competitiveness in the Bundesliga.
