Leeds United transfer twist as update on Daniel Farke target emerges from Germany
A reported Leeds United transfer target is emerging on the radar of potential January rivals.
Leeds United could face fresh competition for reported transfer target Danilho Doekhi with the defender also on the radar of a Bundesliga outfit.
Doekhi has emerged as a potential target for Leeds this month, with defensive reinforcements becoming more of a priority following Daniel Farke’s switch to a back three. The Whites boss has just four senior, natural options at present which leaves just one player covering three potential spots.
Sebastiaan Bornauw limped off with an adductor issue during Sunday’s 3-1 FA Cup win over Derby County and while the likes of Ethan Ampadu, Sam Byram and Gabriel Gudmundsson can drop into a back-three, more natural depth would not go amiss. Sky Germany reported last week that could arrive in the form of Doekhi.
Reporter Florian Plettenberg wrote on X that Leeds and Farke are ‘keen’ on the 27-year-old, who is into the final six months of his Union Berlin contract with no intention of signing fresh terms. He adds the Whites would ‘ideally’ sign the 6ft 3ins centre-back for free in the summer but their hand could be forced this month.
Plettenberg has since revealed that Doekhi has also emerged as a January target for VfL Wolfsburg, whose need for defensive additions became more apparent following their 8-1 thumping at Bayern Munich on Sunday. The reported Whites target is one of two candidates being eyed at the Volkswagen Arena.
Wolfsburg’s other reported target is Brentford defender Kristoffer Ajer, who is likely to prove a more expensive option given he’d be coming from the Premier League. The Norwegian is under contract for another two-and-a-half years at the Gtech Community Stadium and while a first-team place is not guaranteed, he’s started 14 games across all competitions and is an important squad player.
Leeds United transfer decision amid rival interest
With his contract ending in the summer, Doekhi could be available this month at a cut price but whether he’d be open to joining Wolfsburg depends on why he wants to leave Union Berlin. If it’s to try a fresh challenge outside of the Bundesliga, then moving to a side five places down the table would make little sense.
For players in such situations, waiting until the summer usually makes the most sense, with bigger clubs more willing to take them on given there is no transfer cost. Players are also better-placed to receive a higher wage and potential signing-on bonus when there is no club-to-club fee due.
Nevertheless, Wolfsburg’s reported interest in Doekhi could force the hand of Elland Road chiefs, particularly given the feeling they could do with defensive depth regardless. Leeds are expected to do some business between now and the February 2 transfer deadline, with the loan market being explored.
Farke wanted attacking quality in the summer and despite the formation change and uptick in form, that is still expected to be a mid-season priority. The Whites boss said he would be more open to speaking on potential incomings after the Derby FA Cup game which his side won on Sunday, with his next press conference coming later this week.