Besiktas Make Move For Danilho Doekhi As Defensive Overhaul Begins

Besiktas are interested in signing Union Berlin defender Danilho Doekhi. They have asked for the terms of a deal to bring him to Istanbul for the new season. Doekhi is attracting interest from both Besiktas and Valencia.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Besiktas contacted Union Berlin to ask about the possibility of signing Doekhi, who is under contract with Union Berlin until 2026. He has a release clause reportedly set in the high single-digit millions. Other clubs such as Valencia also hold an interest in the player, who could decide to leave after three years in Berlin. Union Berlin finished 13th in the Bundesliga last season, which means the prospect of signing another contract is not appealing to the defender. He wants to play at a higher level.

WHY BESIKTAS WANT DOEKHI

Besiktas struggled in their Super Lig campaign, finishing fourth and missing out on the chance to qualify for the Champions League. They conceded 36 goals in 36 matches, exposing their need to improve their defence. Doekhi is a regular at Union and played every minute of every match last season for the team, having averaged over 3,000 minutes over the last two campaigns across all competitions. Adding a player with his level of consistency would be useful for the club as they aim to improve.

WHAT’S NEXT?

The next step will be for Besiktas and Union to sit down and negotiate a price for the player. Should they come to an agreement, Doekhi could make his debut for his new employer when Besiktas play next against Lausanne for the 2nd leg of their Conference League play-offs. Since the German club narrowly avoided relegation, allowing Doekhi to depart so that the squad can be revamped could be a good idea. If Doekhi leaves in the final days of the transfer window to join Besiktas, Union will have to scout the market for a replacement, with a trip to Frankfurt at the start of their campaign looming.