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Aston Villa Frontrunners to Sign Union Berlin Star Danilho Doekhi
Aston Villa have had a relatively busy January window, with three first-team incomings and the same number of outgoings – but they could be set to bolster their squad with the signing of Union Berlin centre-back Danilho Doekhi.
The Villans have been one of the best teams in the Premier League this season, and currently sit just four points off Arsenal in the title race in a surprise challenge to the Gunners.
And that standing in the league could see Unai Emery oust competition for Doekhi, who has been described as ‘incredible‘ – with the west Midlands side being in ‘pole position’ for his signature.
Report: Aston Villa ‘Have Interest’ in Danilho Doekhi, Late Move Could be Done
The report by German outlet Bild, via Sport Witness, states that Villa have interest in the 27-year-old Dutchman to bolster their back line.
There is a chance that he departs in the winter transfer window, with Leeds United also being interested in his services, though Villa’s standing in the Premier League and chances of winning the Europa League could be crucial to Doekhi’s choice.
Another factor that could be decisive is that he is the cousin of Villa star Lamare Bogarde, who may convince him to join the club, and that connection is to Unai Emery’s advantage.
Although he’s been a regular this season, Doekhi’s contract only has six months left to run. The club from the German capital have no great chance of qualifying for Europe and equally aren’t in major danger of slipping into the relegation battle, so they’re in a position where they can afford to bring a fee in without it affecting their campaign.
Doekhi joined Union from Vitesse in 2022, featuring heavily in the Bundesliga for Berlin as they finished fourth in the 2022-23 campaign, and he’s been a regular fixture since, playing in the Champions League in the 2023-24 campaign.
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As a regular goalscorer at the German club, he can impact the game at both ends of the pitch, and it could well be his last chance for a big move.
Villa have scored a lot of their goals from outside the box this season, with a whopping 13 of those in the Premier League, but more could be done in terms of the actual area itself.
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He’s set to join for the remainder of the season.
Centre-back duo Pau Torres and Ezri Konsa don’t have any goals to their names, and Doekhi could change that if he is introduced. It could be a smart piece of business that propels Villa to an unlikely top-flight title.
