Union Berlin eye concrete replacements as Danilho Doekhi EPL departure draws nearer | OneFootball

Kicker reports that Union Berlin are eyeing up 22-year-old centre-back Zeno Van Den Bosch as a potential defensive reinforcement this winter. The Royal Antwerp professional was previously linked with a Bundesliga move this past summer. Union must keep close tabs on centre-backs available for purchase should either Danilho Doekhi or Diogo Leite depart during the current January window. 

Both Doekhi and Leite sit on expiring contracts, meaning that Union possess only one last opportunity to cash in on their high-valued central defenders. Doehki is now being linked with two Premier League clubs. Leite missed out on most of Union training camp this summer due to a transfer request and only remained in Köpenick after a last-minute deal fell through. Florenz reportedly wish to spend top dollar on him.

What is likely to happen with these transfers?

It shouldn’t be forget that both Doekhi and Leite are free to negotiate lucrative moves to other clubs during the current January transfer window. It may well prove the case that neither player wishes to be placed in the position of working out terms with a club of Union’s choosing, but rather fully control the next phase of their career themselves. 

Of the two players, Doekhi looks the likely candidate to move during the current window. Few footballers will turn down a chance to play in the EPL, irrespective of which club wants them. If Doekhi is sold to the Isle, one can assume that experienced FCU managing director Horst Heldt remains quite serious about acquiring Van Den Bosch. 

Doehki continues to shine

Premier League fans interested in scouting the Dutchman should know that Doekhi opened up 2026 with a bang. The 27-year-old probably should have been credited with what would have been his seventh goal across all competitions in a 2-2 draw with Mainz on Saturday afternoon. Union sub Marin Ljubicic only helped a Doekhi effort over the line. 

Perhaps the only thing that might keep Doekhi in Köpenick this year concerns the fact that he is playing very well for his current Bundesliga club. Doekhi found himself in quite the jovial mood whilst speaking in the mixed zone on Saturday, praising head coach Steffen Baumgart’s for helping Union “push harder and exert more pressure” with his late tactical switches.

Baumgart’s use of Doekhi as a semi-striker late on and on set plays has much to do with his current season goal-total. It’s not entirely clear that he’ll automatically thrive elsewhere. It might prove the case that Doekhi simply opts for a free transfer after the season with an EPL club of his choosing. Van Den Bosch can also move to Union after the season on a free. 

GGFN | Peter Weis