With survival secured, Leeds United have turned their attention to the summer transfer window and welcomed defensive target Danilho Doekhi ahead of Borussia Dortmund.
The Elland Road side are wasting no time ahead of the summer window. They want to back Daniel Farke early with a view to achieving more than just survival next season.
The 49ers already deserve a lot of credit for how successful their recruitment was last summer. Anton Stach, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor all stood out as excellent contributors who played a vital role in the team's survival in the Premier League.
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Leeds United are looking forward to building on their Premier League survival this summer.
Now, it's all about repeating that success, starting with the arrival of an impressive defensive target.
According to TeamTalk, Leeds have made contact to sign Doekhi from Union Berlin this summer. The Yorkshire club are currently in a good position to secure his signature ahead of Borussia Dortmund and negotiations are ongoing.
Like Calvert-Lewin last summer, the Whites have the option of a trade deal, with Doekhi set to become a free agent at the end of his contract this summer.
In terms of quality, the 27-year-old would suit the Premier League. He has proven to be one of Germany's best threats, with seven goals to his name in all competitions. At a time when set pieces are so important in English football, that quality will prove to be very useful for Leeds.
It would also be a statement for a club like Leeds to avoid any interest from Champions League side Borussia Dortmund for a defender this summer. It is a definite statement for 49 people to make.
“Strong” Doekhi can complete Farke's back three
It is not too surprising that Leeds are looking for another defender. Farke's decision to switch to a back three was always going to require long-term additions and Doekhi would be an excellent option for that.
He has also received high praise in Germany, with former Union Berlin boss Oliver Ruhnert saying: “Danilho has the right conditions for a central defender: he has a strong body but at the same time he is very fast.”
|
League statistics 25/26 |
Danilho Doekhi |
Pascal Struijk |
|---|---|---|
|
Minutes |
3,060 |
2,847 |
|
Goals |
5 |
0 |
|
Fighting |
44 |
37 |
|
Recovery |
106 |
116 |
|
Duel success |
62.9% |
56.1% |
Alongside the likes of Pascal Struijk in Leeds' back three, the Union Berlin star could flourish. He provides more threat and is more aggressive than the Elland Road star, making more tackles and enjoying better duel success. It would be a good match.
Everything points to a deal that Leeds should absolutely push for this summer. In Doekhi, they will have a strong defender, who provides a good quality that thrives in the Premier League.
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