Leeds United head into the January transfer window with renewed purpose, placing added emphasis on strengthening their attacking and defensive options as they look to bolster their Premier League survival bid.
An improvement in results has brought greater stability to the campaign and eased some of the immediate pressure on Daniel Farke, though questions remain over certain areas of the squad as the season enters its second half.
Those concerns have been heightened by tactical adjustments. The switch to a 5-3-2 system has increased the need for another striker, while the club are also exploring reinforcements at the back.
One such target is Danilho Doekhi, who is under contract with Union Berlin until the end of the season. The Dutch defender is understood to be firmly on Leeds’ radar, with Farke a long-time admirer of his qualities.
Leeds United face German competition for Danilho Doekhi
Leeds are exploring signing the centre-back, who is almost certain to leave Union Berlin in the summer as a free agent, even if he stays beyond the ongoing window.
The defender has not ruled out a transfer in January, and Leeds are alive to the possibility of signing him this month. However, a few other clubs are also in the mix for his signature.
According to German journalist Florian Plettenburg, Wolfsburg are plotting to sign the centre-back in a surprise deal in the ongoing transfer window.
Their 8-1 defeat to Bayern Munich has led to some soul-searching, and Wolfsburg are prioritising signing a defender in January.
Doekhi is one of the two players the German club are considering signing in the ongoing transfer window as part of their plans.
The defender is believed to be keen on a move to the Premier League. However, it remains to be seen whether Wolfsburg can convince him to stay in Germany.
Union Berlin are already in the process of signing a replacement for Doekhi, and are likely to be open to selling him in January.
Leeds must not lose out on Doekhi in January
Farke is an admirer of Doekhi, and he is desperate to bring in one more centre-back before the end of the January transfer window.
Playing three centre-backs means Leeds feel a bit stretched for resources in defence, with Sebastiaan Bornauw the only back-up defender in the squad.
The Belgian is also believed to be open to returning to Germany, where FC Koln are among the clubs interested in signing the Leeds defender this month.
| Defensive metric (per 90) | Value | Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Tackles | 1.41 | 48 |
| Interceptions | 1.24 | 67 |
| Blocks | 1.03 | 25 |
| Clearances | 6.06 | 68 |
| Aerials won | 3.94 | 97 |
Signing Doekhi makes a lot of sense for Leeds, who will also be able to afford the Dutch defender due to his contract situation at Union Berlin.
Leeds should not dither and delay a move as clubs such as Wolfsburg are in the mix, and the Whites cannot afford to waste time if they want to sign the Dutchman.
