Nottingham Forest Eyes £22m Deal for Union Berlin Defender Danilho Doekhi

Nottingham ForestTeam·Nottingham Forest has reportedly initiated inquiries into a potential £22 million transfer for Union BerlinTeam·Union Berlin's central defender, Danilho DoekhiPlayer·Danilho Doekhi. The move signals Forest's intent to bolster their defensive options following a 16th-place finish in the 2025/26 Premier LeagueCompetition·Premier League campaign.

Manager Vítor Pereira is understood to be keen on adding strength, leadership, and top-flight experience to his backline. Doekhi, a 6ft 3in Dutch international, has been a pivotal figure for Union BerlinTeam·Union Berlin in the BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga over the past four seasons, establishing himself as a reliable presence. Sources indicate that the German club values the defender at approximately £22 million, a figure Nottingham ForestTeam·Nottingham Forest appears willing to consider.

The interest in Doekhi comes as Forest prepares for a new season, having navigated a demanding 2025/26 campaign that saw them reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa LeagueCompetition·Europa League, marking a significant return to European competition. Domestically, they exited both the FA CupCompetition·FA Cup and EFL CupCompetition·EFL Cup in the third round. The club's focus on defensive reinforcements is further underscored by the potential departures of current center-backs MurilloPlayer·Murillo and Nikola Milenković, both of whom have attracted considerable transfer interest.

Doekhi himself is reportedly open to a move to the Premier LeagueCompetition·Premier League, should Nottingham ForestTeam·Nottingham Forest formalize their interest with a concrete offer. Earlier in the transfer window, Premier LeagueCompetition·Premier League rivals Leeds UnitedTeam·Leeds United had also shown interest in the defender, but their pursuit has since cooled, potentially leaving Forest in a strong position to secure his services.

Beyond Doekhi, Nottingham ForestTeam·Nottingham Forest is also exploring other defensive targets. Arthur TheatePlayer·Arthur Theate, a 26-year-old Belgian international from Eintracht FrankfurtTeam·Eintracht Frankfurt, has emerged as another option. Theate's versatility, capable of playing as a central defender, on the left side of a back three, or as a full-back, aligns with the club's broader strategy to enhance defensive depth. Forest is reportedly in contact with Theate's representatives as of June 25, 2026.

The club's overall transfer business this summer could also be significantly influenced by potential outgoing transfers. Midfielder Elliot AndersonPlayer·Elliot Anderson is reportedly a target for Manchester CityTeam·Manchester City in a deal that could exceed £120 million, which would provide substantial funds for further squad investment.