Lazio have completed the signing of Dutch defender Danilho Doekhi on a free transfer following his departure from Union Berlin, the club confirmed on Friday. The 28-year-old has agreed to a three-year contract with the Serie A side, earning €1.8 million per season plus bonuses.
The move for Doekhi was swiftly concluded after initial discussions took place as early as January, anticipating both his contract expiry with Union Berlin and potential departures from Lazio’s defensive line. Contacts were intensified on Sunday, leading to Doekhi’s arrival at Ciampino airport on Thursday afternoon.
Doekhi joins Lazio as a replacement for Mario Gila, and is expected to slot into the centre-right position in the team’s defense. Standing at 1.90m tall, he brings a significant aerial presence and strong marking ability. During his four seasons with Union Berlin, Doekhi made 137 appearances, scoring 16 goals – including 13 in the Bundesliga – demonstrating his capability to contribute in both phases of play.
Lazio manager Maurizio Gattuso will be hoping Doekhi can bring leadership and experience to the backline, having accumulated 117 Bundesliga appearances since 2022. The player himself views Serie A as a new challenge to further develop his skills. The arrival of Doekhi does not necessarily end Lazio’s pursuit of Sergi Dominguez from Dinamo Zagreb, though the Croatian club are currently unwilling to accept a loan deal with an option to buy, holding firm at a €15 million valuation. Lazio have offered a loan with a potential €12-13 million buyout clause.
Furthermore, Lazio are also monitoring the situation with Diogo Leite, another defender recently released by Union Berlin, who partnered with Doekhi in Germany. A move for Leite could materialise pending the sale of Romagnoli to Al Sadd, with Provstgaard expected to be promoted to a starting role in Romagnoli’s place.
