Vitesse Arnhem captain Danilho Doekhi will join Union Berlin on a free transfer after turning down Rangers in favour of the Bundesliga high-flyers, as reported by De Gelderlander.
With Leon Balogun and Connor Goldson out of contract this summer – and with Filip Helander entering the final 12 months of his deal – news of Doekhi’s impending move to Germany represents an early blow to Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s summer plans.
Rangers have been tracking the former Dutch U21 international for well over a year now.
And, only a couple of months ago, Doekhi admitted that he was ‘flattered’ by interest from last season’s Scottish Premiership champions.
“They follow me,” the 23-year-old said when asked about a potential move to Ibrox. “But there are several clubs (who are interested).”
One of those ‘several clubs’ have now reached an agreement with a man available for free this summer. Doekhi’s contract at Eredivisie outfit Vitesse Arnhem expires in July.
Rangers target Danilho Doekhi is joining Union Berlin
After securing European qualification for the second straight season, Union Berlin are set to sign Doekhi on a four-year deal. The towering centre-back has turned down Rangers, Borussia Monchengladbach, Stuttgart and Union’s city rivals Hertha in favour of a bargain move to the Bundesliga’s coupon-busting, Europa League-chasers.
Union are sixth in the table with one game remaining. What’s more, they are just three points behind fourth-placed RB Leipzig with one matchday remaining. A remarkable feat, given that Die Eisernen had never graced Germany’s top flight before the 2019/20 season.
“Doekhi is a very promising player,” former Ibrox ace Frank de Boer said of his fellow Dutchman, backing Rangers pursuit of a man previously valued in the region of £2 million.
“He is a physical central defender. He’s tall but good with the ball and able to build up (play from the back). He’s a good defender but can still learn and continue to improve.
“I think he’s one for the future. (Doekhi) would be a good signing, one who could help Rangers and make them a stronger team.”
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De Telegraaf back up De Gelderlander’s claims, adding that Union have ‘trumped’ Rangers with Doekhi’s unveiling potentially just days away.
Rangers have, at least, secured the signing of John Souttar from Premiership rivals Hearts.
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