Leeds United could be set to bring another centre-half to Elland Road in January.
Following Joe Rodon’s injury that he sustained in Leeds’ game against Sunderland, rumours have begun to circulate regarding the Whites signing another central defender.
Following Daniel Farke’s switch to the 3-5-2 formation, United’s reliance on regularly starting more centre-backs means they have less depth in that area on the bench.
Sebastiaan Bornauw seems like the obvious player to deputise in Rodon’s absence moving forward if Farke still wants to play three at the back, but judging by the fact that the Belgian has played just nine minutes of Premier League football this season, the 49ers may have to sign another centre-half that Farke trusts to play more often.
Leeds United considering a move for Union Berlin’s Danilho Doekhi
Alongside Doekhi bolstering the Whites’ defence, Ruben Neves has also been linked with Leeds in a move that would revolutionise Farke’s midfield department.
Whilst Doekhi may not be as flashy a signing as Neves, he would arguably be the more important of the two to secure a deal for.
According to a report from Sky Sports’ Lyall Thomas and Zinny Boswell, Leeds are considering bringing another central defender to Elland Road in January.
With the Dutchman’s contract with Union Berlin set to expire in the summer, Doekhi could be available on a cut-price deal for Leeds in January.
Leeds fans are sure to question potential Danilho Doekhi deal
Doekhi, who reportedly earns just over £59,ooo per week according to Capology, would undoubtedly be a welcome addition, but fans will surely question the 49ers’ recruitment strategy after discovering who the 27-year-old is similar to, according to data.
FBRef’s player comparison model claims one of the defenders most similar to Doekhi is former Leeds man Charlie Cresswell, who now plays his football for Toulouse in Ligue 1.
| Stat (per 90 2025/26 season) | Danilho Doekhi | Charlie Cresswell |
|---|---|---|
| Tackles | 2.0 | 0.81 |
| Blocks | 1.2 | 1.38 |
| Clearances | 5.6 | 6.69 |
| Interceptions | 1.27 | 0.94 |
With Cresswell being sold by Leeds in the summer of 2024, fans will surely wonder why the club would want to sign a player similar to one they already had on their books but decided to let go.
Considering the lack of gametime Cresswell got under Farke, this does not bode well for Doekhi if he does end up making the move to West Yorkshire in January, if in fact the two players are similar.
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