Danilho Doekhi is said to have agreed and signed a deal with Union Berlin, meaning that Rangers will miss out on a key target.
The Dutchman had previously spoken of Rangers interest as a “very beautiful” proposition but it appears that the German capital awaits the 23-year old and not dear old Glasgow town.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reported the following early this morning:
Dutch centre back Danilho Doekhi will join Union Berlin as free agent, deal signed and completed. Contract until June 2025. 🇳🇱🤝 #transfers
The Vitesse captain had several options but chose for Bundesliga club because of Europa League chance. Club announcement to follow soon.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 16, 2022
Currently at Vitesse Arnhem, it would have been good business to capture the towering central defender on a Bosman but if confirmed, Rangers will obviously move on to other targets.
He is said to be unusually physical for the Eredivisie which would have been an asset playing in the Scottish Premiership, whilst the Bundesliga means he will be playing at a higher technical level as well as needing his muscle to go up against the likes of Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen on a regular basis.
Numbers
With Doekhi seemingly out of the picture, it is clear that central defence is a matter of priority for Rangers next season.
Connor Goldson looks to be departing, Leon Balogun could follow him and Filip Helander will continue to be unreliable in terms of his injury record and overall availability. Calvin Bassey will remain and Leon King is progressing, whilst John Souttar will soon be arriving from Hearts.
It is clear that a senior central defender of quality will be required for Giovanni van Bronckhorst over the close season, even in the very unlikely event that Goldson stays. At least two will go out, so the same number needs to be replenished.