Club recognition evaded by Union Star
Union Berlin defender Danilho Doekhi, a key player in the club's recent success, finds himself at the centre of transfer rumours as several clubs show interest in his services.
The 27-year-old Dutchman, who has been a mainstay in Union Berlin's central defence for the past three years, has an exit clause in his contract that runs until 2026, making him an attractive offer for interested clubs. Reports suggest that the exit clause is in the high single-digit million range.
Doekhi's market value is estimated to be around 13 million euros, making him a valuable asset for Union Berlin. However, with his contract nearing its end and no extension in sight, the club may have to sell him soon to avoid a free transfer departure next summer.
Union Berlin's defence has already been weakened by the departures of Kevin Vogt and Paul Jaeckel, and the arrival of Stanley Nsoki from Hoffenheim on loan has been hindered by an injury. A departure of Doekhi would further thin the ranks of the central defence.
Transfer speculation has been mounting, with Dutch club Feyenoord officially entering the race to sign Doekhi, as reported by Algemeen Dagblad and Kicker. Turkish club Besiktas and Spanish side Valencia are also said to be closely following his situation.
Reports from the Premier League and Serie A suggest that clubs from these leagues are monitoring Doekhi's situation, though no specific teams have been confirmed.
Doekhi himself has been cryptic about his future, stating during the training camp in Herzogenaurach that anything is possible in the transfer market. However, his focus remains on his work with Union Berlin.
Another central defender at Union Berlin, Diogo Leite, is also eyeing a transfer, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the club's defence.
In summary, potential destinations for Danilho Doekhi include Feyenoord, Besiktas, Valencia, clubs from the Premier League, and Serie A. Union Berlin's assistant coach has signalled the club's openness to possible departures, but no confirmed transfer has yet occurred. The transfer saga continues as we approach the end of the transfer window in July 2025.
| Potential Destination | Details | |-----------------------|--------------------------------| | Feyenoord (Netherlands) | Officially entered the race to sign Doekhi[1][3] | | Besiktas (Turkey) | Monitoring situation closely[2] | | Valencia (Spain) | Monitoring situation closely[2] | | Premier League clubs | Interest reported but unspecified[1][2] | | Serie A clubs | Interest reported but unspecified[1][2] |
[1] Algemeen Dagblad (2025). Feyenoord enters race for Danilho Doekhi. [online] Available at: https://www.algemeendagblad.nl/sport/voetbal/feyenoord-enters-race-for-danilho-doekhi [Accessed 15 July 2025].
[2] Kicker (2025). Union Berlin defender Danilho Doekhi attracting interest from Besiktas and Valencia. [online] Available at: https://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/union-berlin/union-berlin-defender-danilho-doekhi-attracting-interest-from-besiktas-and-valencia [Accessed 15 July 2025].
[3] Kicker (2025). Feyenoord makes official offer for Danilho Doekhi. [online] Available at: https://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/union-berlin/feyenoord-makes-official-offer-for-danilho-doekhi [Accessed 20 July 2025].
Spanish and Turkish clubs, along with potential suitors from the Premier League and Serie A, are eying the services of Union Berlin's Danilho Doekhi, a key player in European football leagues. With an attractive exit clause in his contract and high market value, the Dutch defender has caught the interest of several clubs, including Feyenoord in the Netherlands, Besiktas in Turkey, and Valencia in Spain.
