Danilho Doekhi is poised to join Serie A side SS Lazio after reaching a verbal agreement with the Italian club, according to Sky Sports. The 28-year-old defender will move to Rome on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract at 1. FC Union Berlin at the end of the 2025/26 season.
Doekhi has spent the last four years with Union Berlin, establishing himself as a key figure in their backline. He initially joined the German club in 2022 from Vitesse Arnhem, quickly becoming a regular starter and contributing to their impressive rise in the Bundesliga, including qualification for the Champions League. Last season, Doekhi made 32 appearances across all competitions for Union Berlin, showcasing his consistency and aerial ability.
The move to Lazio represents a significant step in Doekhi’s career, offering him the opportunity to compete in a top European league and potentially play in European competitions. Lazio, managed by Igor Tudor, are looking to strengthen their defensive options ahead of next season, and Doekhi’s arrival would provide valuable depth and experience. The club finished seventh in Serie A last season, missing out on European qualification, and will be aiming to improve their performance in the upcoming campaign.
While a verbal agreement is in place, the transfer is not yet finalised, with ongoing discussions surrounding the finer details of the contract. Sky Sports reports that Doekhi has also attracted interest from other clubs, but Lazio currently appear to be leading the race for his signature. The defender’s ability to play both as a centre-back and defensive midfielder could prove particularly valuable to Tudor’s tactical plans. His arrival will likely increase competition for places in the Lazio defence, potentially pushing existing players to elevate their performance levels.
Doekhi’s departure from Union Berlin will leave a void in their squad, but the club will likely seek to reinvest the savings from his wages into strengthening other areas of the team. The transfer represents a shrewd piece of business for Lazio, securing a proven defender on a free transfer.
