Borussia Dortmund target Union Berlin's Danilho Doekhi on free transfer
Borussia Dortmund are in talks to sign Union Berlin defender Danilho Doekhi on a free transfer this summer, according to multiple German reports. The 27-year-old Dutch centre-back is out of contract at the end of the season, making him available without a fee, and discussions between the player and the Westphalian club are already understood to have taken place.
German outlets RTL/ntv and Sport.de report that Dortmund can "well imagine" bringing Doekhi to Signal Iduna Park. The move would represent a significant coup for Dortmund's sporting department, securing an experienced Bundesliga defender at a time when the club is planning a defensive rebuild ahead of the next campaign. Doekhi's potential arrival would follow the confirmed signing of fellow centre-back Waldemar Anton from VfB Stuttgart.
Doekhi has been a key figure for Union Berlin since joining from Vitesse in 2022, making over 80 appearances. His fine form has continued this season, highlighted by a goal in Union's 3-1 defeat to RB Leipzig on Saturday, which took his personal tally to seven goals across all competitions—an impressive return for a defender. His physical presence, aerial threat, and leadership have been central to Union's recent successes, including their historic Champions League qualification last year.
The defender's contractual situation has attracted attention for several months. During the winter transfer window, Serie A side Lazio and Bundesliga rivals VfL Wolfsburg were both credited with interest in Doekhi. However, no move materialised, allowing him to see out the final months of his deal in Berlin. It is now reported that staying with Union Berlin is "out of the question" for the player as he evaluates the next step in his career.
For Dortmund, Doekhi represents a cost-effective and proven option to bolster a defence that has struggled for consistency. His familiarity with the Bundesliga and his goal-scoring ability from set-pieces would add a new dimension to Edin Terzic's squad. For Union Berlin, his impending departure on a free transfer is a significant blow, underscoring the challenge for clubs of their stature in retaining top talent when contracts run down. The potential transfer underscores the ongoing player movement within the Bundesliga, as Dortmund look to capitalise on a market opportunity to strengthen their resources for domestic and European challenges next season.
