(Credit: Imago)

Evan Shaw

Fri 15 May 2026 7:15, UK

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Sebastiaan Bornauw has surely just taken a giant step towards a Leeds United exit this summer, as they chase a move for Union Berlin centre-back Danilho Doekhi.

The Whites have operated with a fairly settled back three of Jaka Bijol, Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk for most of the campaign, but are still keen to add further depth in that area ahead of next term.

Doekhi has been identified as a player who would be a good fit for Daniel Farke’s squad, amid a promising season that has seen him start every single Bundesliga game for Union Berlin so far.

That surely spells trouble for Bornauw, who has managed just four league starts since moving to the Premier League from the German top flight last summer.

Leeds’ transfer plans are set to see them build on the group that is already in place, and Bornauw looks likely to be one of those stars who is shipped out in favour of a new face.

Danilho Doekhi now available on free transfer

Football Insider revealed last week that Leeds won’t stand in Bornauw’s way if he decides to pursue a move elsewhere this summer, amid strong links of a return to the Bundesliga with Cologne.

The 27-year-old will effectively be allowed to decide his own future in West Yorkshire, with a move elsewhere in search of more gametime looking increasingly likely at this stage.

There is little sign of him becoming a bigger feature in Farke’s plans for next term, especially with the recruitment team already eyeing up a move for Doekhi.

Leeds have been continually linked with the Dutchman in recent months, and have just seen the door left ajar for them to move in and seal a deal.

Union Berlin confirmed on Thursday that the 27-year-old will depart upon the expiry of his contract this summer, meaning that Leeds are already one step closer to securing his signature.

The fact that there will be no transfer fee necessary will be music to their ears, considering that they are not expecting a huge summer of spending across the board.

Why Doekhi deal will still not be easy for Leeds to strike

Leeds’ eyes will surely have lit up at the news of Doekhi’s imminent departure, as it means that they won’t even have to engage with Union Berlin in order to strike a deal.

However, the fact that he is now available on a free transfer could also work to their detriment in the coming weeks, as other clubs are bound to launch moves for the defender.

Doekhi has enjoyed such an impressive season that there is sure to be a whole host of suitors for him this summer, considering that he may go on to become an ever-present in a major European league.

With that in mind, Leeds must make sure they begin making advancements with his entourage as soon as possible if they are to have any hope of fending off the competition to secure his services.

Farke’s men have already secured their place in the Premier League for next term, so they can afford to begin working on their summer business at this stage.