Lazio in pole position for Doekhi transfer

The race for one of the most attractive free-agent opportunities of the summer window is heating up. According to Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sport DE, a verbal agreement has been reached between Lazio and Danilho Doekhi. However, the transfer is not yet complete; there are still some details to be resolved.

The 28-year-old Dutch centre-back, a free agent following the expiry of his Union Berlin contract, is on the radar of several clubs. Nevertheless, according to reports, Lazio are currently in "pole position" in the race. Parallel reports from the Italian press also confirm the Roman club's contacts with the player and the positive course of the talks.

Doekhi's profile, combined with his free-agent status, creates an attractive picture. A product of the Ajax academy who never made the step up to the first team, the centre-back experienced his career breakthrough at Union Berlin, which he joined from Vitesse in 2022, also on a free transfer. Making more than 130 appearances for the German club, the Dutchman also caught the eye with his attacking contribution, scoring 16 goals despite being a centre-back. Playing every minute of every league match last season, Doekhi was his team's most consistent figure with his aerial dominance, physical strength and leadership.

The player has previously been linked with clubs such as Leeds United (reported to be a long-standing target of manager Daniel Farke), Borussia Dortmund and Beşiktaş; his market value is placed at around €13 million. For Lazio, who have lost two first-choice centre-backs and want to strengthen their defence in a cost-effective way, Doekhi's free-agent status is viewed as a major opportunity. Should the remaining details be resolved, the transfer is expected to become official shortly.

Source: Sky Sport DE
Image: Yahoo Sports