Sports
Leeds gifted Danilho Doeki transfer boost as Union make January stance clear
Leeds United have been gifted a January transfer boost in pursuit of a player who Daniel Farke has personally wanted for years.
On the field, Leeds’ impressive seven-game unbeaten run came to a devastating end on Wednesday night following Harvey Barnes’ 102nd-minute winner in a dramatic 4-3 defeat at Newcastle.
Farke watched his side lead three times at St James’ Park through Brenden Aaronson’s brace and Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s penalty, only to see the Magpies fight back on each occasion before Barnes sealed victory in the final seconds.
The heartbreaking result leaves Leeds 16th in the Premier League table with 22 from 21 matches, still with a clear gap between them and the bottom three.
The Whites maintain an eight-point cushion above West Ham, but the manner of the defeat has highlighted defensive vulnerabilities that Farke must address urgently.
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He’s tempted by the idea of an Elland Road move.
Joe Rodon’s return from ankle injury ahead of schedule provided some relief for Farke, with the Wales international featuring in the Newcastle defeat despite concerns about his fitness.
However, his recent absence exposed alarming deficiencies in defence, with Belgium defender Sebastiaan Bornauw thrust into first-team action during matches against Liverpool and Man United.
As a result, Farke has reportedly made strengthening the backline his January priority.
The German is rumoured to want additional cover to ensure Leeds can continue operating their preferred 3-5-2 system that proved so effective during the recent unbeaten streak.
The defensive formation requires specific personnel capable of handling Farke’s tactical demands, making recruitment in that area essential.
Danilho Doekhi ‘very keen’ to join Leeds in January
According to a new report today, Leeds have now received a major boost in their pursuit of a top target.
Union Berlin centre-back Danilho Doekhi is apparently ‘very keen’ on a move to Elland Road, according to TEAMtalk, which could hand Leeds significant momentum in negotiations.
The Dutchman also views the opportunity to test himself in the Premier League as an exciting next step in his career.
Doekhi’s enthusiasm for the move could prove pivotal in discussions with Union, particularly given his contract situation leaves the Bundesliga club in a weakened bargaining position.
The 27-year-old has been remarkably prolific this season for a centre-back, scoring six goals in just 18 appearances.
His aerial dominance from set pieces makes him one of Europe’s most effective defenders in that regard over recent campaigns, scoring four headers this season alone.
Union recognise their vulnerable position with Doekhi’s contract expiring this summer, and the German club have made clear they are open to a January sale, rather than risk losing him for nothing when his deal expires.
Sources indicate Union have set an initial asking price around £11 million, though Leeds remain optimistic this figure could drop as the window progresses.
Doekhi is actually an historic target for Farke as well, with the tactician thought to have chased him during his time at Norwich City, according to this report.
Interestingly, Doekhi isn’t the only player who’s tempted by the prospect of a move to Yorkshire.
Reports earlier this week claimed that former Leeds star Kalvin Phillips is also keen on a return to the club, but as of now, he isn’t a priority for Farke’s side.
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