Leeds United have already secured their Premier League status for another season with games to spare, and focus is beginning to shift towards the summer transfer window.
Now that survival is confirmed, the club are stepping up their plans for the summer and assessing many potential targets before the campaign comes to an end.
Unlike last year, Leeds are not expected to make sweeping changes to the squad, but they are still looking to strengthen several key areas ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Leeds have now confirmation over the transfer status of one of their top targets, who they have been tracking over the last year and can now make a serious move for him.
Union Berlin confirm the impending departure of Danilho Doekhi
Danilho Doekhi has been on Leeds’ radar since the winter window, and the club have been plotting a deal for months.
He is expected to leave Union Berlin at the end of the season when his contract with the club expires, and the move has now been confirmed.
Ahead of their last game of the season this weekend, Union Berlin have confirmed that Doekhi will be one of the players who will leave the club in the summer.
The Dutchman has been a stalwart at the back for Union Berlin and has not missed a minute of league football over the last two seasons in Germany.
However, he is keen to test himself at other top leagues, and a move to the Premier League apparently appeals to the centre-back this summer.
Leeds have been interested in signing him and are keen to secure a top-class centre-back on a free transfer in the upcoming window.
Doekhi is expected to have several offers on his table. However, Leeds hope to convince him to move to Elland Road in the coming months.
Leeds may need to sell someone
Leeds are keen on signing Doekhi on a free transfer from Union Berlin after monitoring the defender closely for several months.
However, bringing him to Elland Road could depend on another defender leaving first, as Doekhi is unlikely to join Leeds just to sit on the bench.
The Dutchman has not missed a minute of league football over the past two seasons and would probably want guarantees over regular game time before agreeing to the move.
Joe Rodon has already been linked with a possible exit, while Leeds also received offers for Pascal Struijk last summer.
As a result, one of the current centre-backs may need to move on if Leeds are to complete a deal for Doekhi this summer.
