Lazio are in negotiations to sign Dutch centre-back Danilho Doekhi as a free agent, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. The 28-year-old defender left Union Berlin at the end of June when his contract expired, making him available without a transfer fee.
The Serie A club are actively reshaping their defence following the appointment of coach Gennaro Gattuso. The squad is set to lose Alessio Romagnoli and Mario Gila, prompting an urgent search for reinforcements at the back. Lazio have already secured one free transfer this summer, bringing in left-back Alfonso Pedraza from Villarreal after his deal also ran down.
Defensive revamp underway
Gattuso’s arrival has triggered a clear-out of the existing backline. With Romagnoli and Gila heading for the exit, the Biancocelesti require fresh options in central defence. Doekhi represents an opportunity to add Bundesliga experience at no initial cost, fitting the club’s current recruitment strategy.
The defender moved to Union Berlin from Vitesse in 2022 without a transfer fee. He developed through the youth academies of Excelsior and Ajax during his formative years in the Netherlands before establishing himself in senior football.
Competition from Premier League and beyond
Earlier in the summer, Doekhi attracted significant interest from across Europe. Premier League clubs Aston Villa, Leeds United and Crystal Palace all monitored his situation, while German giants Borussia Dortmund and Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven also made enquiries. Turkish sides Beşiktaş and Fenerbahçe were additionally linked with moves for the centre-back.
However, Romano reports that most of these approaches have cooled in recent weeks. This reduction in competition appears to have opened the door for Lazio to push ahead with their pursuit of the 28-year-old.
Doekhi’s availability on a free transfer makes him an attractive proposition as Lazio look to rebuild their defensive unit before the new campaign begins.