Aston Villa’s next January transfer could see them hijack Leeds’ dream deal

Aston Villa have already been rather busier in the January transfer window than many experts expected, with their improbable title challenge spurring them to make moves they otherwise might have shied away from – and they may not be done just yet.

According to reports from Germany, Villa have taken an interest in Union Berlin centre-back Danilho Doekhi, a powerful defender with impressive positional sense who also just so happens to be one of Leeds United’s primary targets over the closing days of the window. So can Villa hijack Leeds’ move for the Dutchman, and would it help them to close the gap between them and leaders Arsenal?

What Danilho Doekhi would bring to Aston Villa if he signs this January

The 27-year-old Doekhi – who was supposedly born in the middle of England’s infamous defeat to Argentina in the 1998 World Cup – came through the youth ranks with Excelsior and Ajax in his homeland before making his name with Vitesse, eventually moving to Germany with Union Berlin in 2022.

Since then, he’s developed a reputation as a physically powerful centre-back with a strong positional sense, averaging five clearances and nearly three turnovers per game in the Bundesliga so far this season – and with his contract due to expire this summer, several sides have looked at him as a budget-friendly transfer option over the past few weeks.

Leeds had widely been reported as a suitor by a number of outlets, with negotiations between the clubs discussed in several media outlets, but Villa’s own interest – which was first reported by Kicker – has also been mentioned in dispatches, albeit less frequently.

Now Bild have joined the chorus of stories linking Doekhi with a move to the Premier League, with Villa implied to be his most likely destination. He already has a family connection within the Villa ranks – he is the cousin of versatile defensive player Lamare Bogarde.

Bogarde is relatively unlikely to be an immediate starter at Villa Park should he sign, and would most likely offer depth behind Pau Torres, Ezri Konsa and Victor Lindelöf, with concerns over Tyrone Mings’ long-term fitness a potential reason for Villa to search for a new player in that position. Doekhi can also play as a right-back if required and could offer depth across multiple positions.

Doekhi isn’t noted as a remarkably technical player, and has both a limited passing range and a lack of willingness to run with the ball at his feet, but his strength, confidence in one-on-one duels and aerial prowess all combine to make him effective as a more traditional defender. He’s also a legitimate threat from set pieces, and has four league goals for Union already this season.

In short, the Dutchman (who played for the Netherlands’ Under-21 side but later failed with an attempt to switch his allegiance to Suriname at senior level) would be a rotational piece, offering strength in depth should injuries strike but perhaps not being a player who would tip the balance in the title race on his own. This is a deal that could prove shrewd but is unlikely to be earth-shattering. But how likely is it that a deal takes place?

Will Aston Villa sign Doekhi – or will Leeds get there first?

With Doekhi’s contract set to expire at the end of June, it has become apparent that Union Berlin are happy to consider selling him to raise some funds – with reports from earlier in January suggesting an initial asking price of €13m (£11.3m).

Sides like Villa and Leeds will likely be hoping that fee gets reduced, but Doekhi is not especially likely to break the bank if he does move. The player has supposedly make it clear that he doesn’t play to extend his stay with his current club, greatly weakening Union’s negotiating position.

The main barrier to a deal is unlikely to be the player but Leeds, whose interest in the defender has been firmly established by reports stretching back over the course of several weeks. Their switch to a back three – a system which they now share with Union – has left them short of resources at the back, and Doekhi’s familiarity with their set-up makes him an ideal addition to a depleted back line.

It’s certainly more likely that Leeds would be able to offer the player regular first-team football, with a back-up role the most probable outcome should he move to Villa Park. Doekhi may, of course, be enticed by the prospect of playing in the Champions League next season should he move to Villa Park, and there is every chance that Villa can offer him a better salary.

Much, then, will come down to the player’s own preferences, which have not yet become clear. Both teams will likely be able to find an agreeable price point despite PSR restrictions, and the question is probably whether Doekhi would rather play regularly in a potential relegation battle or fight for the title while spending more time on the bench. It may be some days before we know which direction he’ll go in, but it looks increasingly likely that he’ll be a Premier League player with one team or another before the transfer deadline passes on Monday.

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