- FC Union Berlin have confirmed that Danilho Doekhi, Diogo Leite, and Alex Král will leave the club when their contracts expire this summer. 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. Doekhi has made 136 appearances for the club, establishing himself as a regular starter, while Leite has featured in 135 matches. Both players have been integral to Union’s recent successes, including their qualification for European competition.
Král initially joined Union on loan from Spartak Moscow in 2023, quickly becoming a key component in midfield. The move was later made permanent, and he went on to make a total of 53 appearances for the club. His departure leaves a void in Union’s midfield options.
The departures come at the end of a challenging season for Union Berlin, who have struggled to replicate the form that saw them qualify for the Champions League last year. Finishing mid-table, the club will be looking to rebuild in the summer transfer window. The loss of three established players represents a significant shift as they plan for the future.
All three players, along with Gspurning and Thieme, will be formally farewelled before Saturday’s final home match of the season against Augsburg at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei. The club has expressed its gratitude for their contributions and wished them well in their future endeavors. These exits will likely prompt Union to actively seek replacements in both defense and midfield during the upcoming transfer window to bolster their squad for the next campaign.
