Danihlo Doekhi continues his career at 1. FC Union Berlin, Vitesse announces through its own club channels. The central defender signs a multi-year contract with the number five of the Bundesliga and is therefore assured of Europa League football next season. Doekhi has an expiring contract and for that reason walks out of the door for free at the Arnhem team
“I am proud that I have been able to play so many matches for Vitesse,” says Doekhi on the Vitesse website. “This club has offered me a lot of space and opportunities, which has allowed me to develop myself enormously. As a footballer, but also as a person. I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who cares about the club. Vitesse will always have a place in my heart.”
I wish the club and the supporters the best for the future,” continues Doekhi. “But first we have to make the play-offs. That is where my full focus lies. I want to end my wonderful period here by achieving European football again.” Earlier, Rangers seemed to have the best papers in the battle for the captain. PSV also inquired about the availability of Doekhi six months ago. However, the defender has now chosen to embark on his first foreign adventure in the Bundesliga.
Vitesse picked Doekhi away from Jong Ajax three and a half years ago for 250,000 euros and that turned out to be a bull’s eye. The mandekker fought his way into the starting lineup almost immediately and so far played 111 games in the Eredivisie, in which he was accurate 4 times. In total, the counter stands at 135 official matches. At Union, Doekhi is once again entering Europe. The club from Berlin secured fifth place on Saturday with a 3-2 win over VfL Bochum and a ticket for the group stage of the Europa League.
Union’s interest in Doekhi is the beginning of an apparent exodus at Vitesse, as Riechedly Bazoer, Eli Dasa and Oussama Darfalou are also leaving the club. They also have a transfer-free status. In addition, mercenaries Jacob Rasmussen, Yann Gboho, Loïs Openda and Adrian Grbic return to their actual employers. Vitesse had the opportunity to sell different players in the winter, but at the time gave priority to the sporty aspect, as the Arnhem team were still active on three fronts. In the end Ajax turned out to be too strong (5-0) in the cup, AS Roma was the final destination in the Conference League and now has to get a European ticket for next season via the play-offs.