Aston Villa Clash With Leeds United For Bundesliga Star This January: Smart Move Or Squad Filler? | OneFootball

Aston Villa have joined the race to sign Union Berlin centre-back Danilho Doekhi. This move sets up a transfer market clash with Leeds United. German outlet Kicker broke the news.

Aston Villa Rival Leeds United for Union Berlin’s Danilho Doekhi

They revealed that Unai Emery’s side now are showing particular interest in securing the Dutch defender during this January window. The report highlights a crucial contractual detail. Doekhi’s current deal in the German capital expires this summer. So, Union Berlin executives face a tough choice. They must sell him now to get a fee or lose him for nothing in six months.

This tricky situation has alerted Premier League suitors. Leeds United previously identified the 27-year-old as a top target to bolster Daniel Farke’s defence. However, Villa’s emergence changes everything. Kicker indicates that the Villans see Doekhi as an ideal, low-cost fix for their own defensive concerns.

The Midlands club are actively looking for reinforcements. Doekhi’s Bundesliga performances fit their needs perfectly. These displays are defined by aerial dominance and a goal-scoring threat.

Leeds United had hoped to sign the Dutchman without competition. Now, the chance to play for a Champions League-chasing side at Villa Park is a major problem for the Yorkshire club.

Smart Signing or Squad Filler?

WOLFSBURG, GERMANY – DECEMBER 06: Danilho Doekhi of Union Berlin in action during the Bundesliga match between VfL Wolfsburg and 1. FC Union Berlin at Volkswagen Arena on December 06, 2025 in Wolfsburg, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

Unai Emery needs defensive cover right now. A long-term injury is keeping Tyrone Mings on the sidelines. This leaves the squad relying heavily on Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, and summer arrival Victor Lindelöf. This trio offers quality, but an injury to any of them would leave Villa dangerously thin in defence.

Doekhi is a sensible signing here. He brings European experience and physical toughness. He also won’t cost a massive fee. The 27-year-old’s low price tag makes him a low-risk option. He can jump straight into the starting XI or provide high-level backup.

Villa also have a secret weapon in negotiations. Doekhi is the cousin of Lamare Bogarde, a current Aston Villa prospect. The club will likely use this family connection.

They want to convince the defender that his future lies in Birmingham rather than Leeds. On top of that, Doekhi offers a threat from set-pieces that Villa often lack. He has scored multiple headers for Union Berlin this season, including a brace against Bayern Munich.

This move works for everyone. Union Berlin get a fee, Villa secure experienced cover at a bargain price, and the player joins a top-tier Premier League side. While Leeds United remain very interested, the combination of top-flight football and family ties suggests what’s coming next. Danilho Doekhi will likely wear claret and blue before the month ends.