Brenden Aaronson could help Leeds sign defender likened to Virgil van Dijk on a free | OneFootball

Brenden Aaronson could help persuade his former Union Berlin team-mate Danilho Doekhi to join Leeds United this summer.

Leeds were keen on the 27-year-old centre-back in January and Daniel Farke remains eager to strengthen his defence. Fabrizio Romano reported on Wednesday that the club are interested in Doekhi.

Doekhi is set to leave Union on a free transfer when his contract expires, and Leeds are reportedly trying to beat Borussia Dortmund and several Saudi Arabian clubs to his signature.

Standing 6ft 3in, the Dutchman has logged over 3,000 minutes for the Bundesliga side and has helped steer them away from the relegation zone. Uncapped at senior level, he has not missed a single minute of league action for two seasons running.

Aaronson spent 2023/24 on loan at Union, so he could put in a word for Elland Road. Doekhi’s power, reliability and tackling have drawn comparisons with compatriot Virgil van Dijk, and he has been described as ultra-calm in possession.

He progressed through the Netherlands youth ranks, debuting for the U18s in 2015 before winning five caps for the U21s. His last at that level came in a 5-0 European Championship qualifier against Belarus in November 2020, and he has Champions League experience after a debut versus Real Madrid.

Leeds fans will hope he can deliver even a fraction of Van Dijk’s impact at Liverpool if a deal materialises this summer.

Source: Leeds Live