Future of Union’s defensive duo open
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Danilho Doekhi (27) and Diogo Leite (26) not only play side by side in Union Berlin’s defense center, they also share another thing in common: the duo’s contracts expire at the end of the season. According to media reports, the two of the three most valuable professionals in the Iron squad are considering saying goodbye. While Doekhi has now commented on his future, the next interested party is knocking on Leite’s door.
“Sky” recently reported that Doekhi would be turning his back on Union by the summer at the latest. The Dutchman can tell this in an interview with “Football International“I can’t confirm that. “I’m keeping all options open,” emphasized Doekhi. “For me it is important that the overall package is right: the sporting challenge, the environment, the city. Whether a club plays internationally is not important.” After all, he has already reached the Champions League with Union.
The Iron Ones certainly provide arguments for staying. “I’m valued, you can feel that, you can tell. I fought for that myself and I’m pretty proud of that,” said Doekhi, who has made 116 appearances since 2022, in which he scored 15 goals. In the current season, he is the most dangerous central defender in the top 5 leagues alongside Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven (24). He didn’t initially think that he would stay at Union for four seasons.
“Not before, but in football you can’t plan anything. If you’re in good hands somewhere, you don’t have to leave at any cost. That makes a difference,” explained Doekhi. “I feel comfortable here. Berlin is of course beautiful too. I’m not the type of person who eats out or goes out a lot, but it’s really nice.” But he also knows that next summer will probably be the last big contract of his career.
“I’ll be 28 this summer and I’m in a phase where – if you think about it carefully – it will be decided what will happen in the next few years,” said Doekhi. That’s why he looks at his situation in Berlin very soberly. “Everything can change quickly in football and we speak openly to each other internally. I feel very comfortable at Union and I look at and experience everything without pressure.” A quick decision cannot be expected.
“At the moment I am fully concentrating on my performance on the pitch. Everything else will become clear over time. The cooperation with the club is excellent. If Union believes that I can help the team achieve its goals, I will be happy to make my contribution. And if an option arises that makes sense for both sides, we will talk about it. The important thing is that I have a good feeling about it, just like I have for three and a half years at Union,” explained Doekhi.
Union Berlin is looking for a buyer: Fenerbahce interested in Leite
With a market value of 13 million euros, Doekhi is one of the most valuable Bundesliga professionals with an expiring contract. Just behind him is his teammate Leite, who is valued at 12 million euros. If the duo leaves, the Köpenickers would lose 20 percent of their squad value. And at least for the Portuguese, a change is very likely, possibly in the winter so that Union can earn a small fee.
After Fiorentina shows the “KickerAccording to Fenerbahce, they are also interested in Leite. The Istanbul team, who have been coached by Domenico Tedesco since September and have only lost one of 17 games since then, are currently without the injured Çağlar Söyüncü (29) in the center of defense. In addition, Rodrigo Becão (29) has been left out of the squad.
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Leite moved from FC Porto to Köpenick in 2023 after a one-year loan for 7 million euros. Since then he has been a regular and played 122 games (two goals) for the Berliners. Last summer, Fiorentina made its first attempt, but the rumored transfer fee of 10 million euros was not enough for Union. Leite was supposed to leave the club and was temporarily sorted out by coach Steffen Baumgart. For weeks, the Portuguese only had individual training on the schedule before he celebrated his comeback on matchday 4 against Eintracht Frankfurt (4:3). Since then it has been set again.
