Brenden Aaronson could prove instrumental in persuading his former Union Berlin team-mate Danilho Doekhi to sign for Leeds United on a free transfer this summer. Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano reported on Wednesday that Leeds are eyeing up a move for the 27-year-old Union centre-back this summer.
The Whites had been eager to secure his services during the January transfer window, and Daniel Farke remains determined to strengthen his defensive options at Elland Road ahead of next season. Doekhi is set to depart Union on a free transfer when his contract expires this summer, with Leeds reportedly looking to pip Borussia Dortmund and several Saudi Arabian clubs to his signature.
The Dutchman, who cuts an imposing figure at 6ft 3in, has clocked up over 3,000 minutes of football for the Bundesliga side, playing a key role in keeping them clear of the relegation zone. Despite remaining uncapped at international level for the Netherlands, Doekhi has not missed a single minute of Bundesliga action for two consecutive seasons.
Should Leeds press ahead with their pursuit, Doekhi already has a familiar face waiting at the club. Leeds midfielder Aaronson spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Union Berlin, meaning he could potentially use his connection with his former team-mate to help sell the move.
Doekhi's power, reliability and impressive tackling have even drawn comparisons to his compatriot Virgil van Dijk in the past. The official Bundesliga website in 2023 described him as an "ultra calm" presence on the ball, much like the legendary Liverpool defender.
They highlighted his imposing defending as a standout trait, capable of executing perfectly-timed challenges before demonstrating his passing range in the same sequence of play. Doekhi came through the Netherlands youth ranks as a teenager.
He made his debut for the Dutch U18s in 2015 and earned the last of his five U21 caps in a 5-0 European Championship qualifying victory over Belarus in November 2020. He also possesses Champions League experience, having made his debut against Real Madrid.
Leeds fans will be hoping he can deliver even a small portion of Van Dijk's success at Liverpool, should the club succeed in securing his signature this summer.