Lazio Target Free Agent Danilho Doekhi After Defensive Overhaul

FolioPitch.com – 12 July 2026 | Lazio have made contact with Dutch defender Danilho Doekhi, who is available on a free transfer after leaving Union Berlin. The Serie A side is undergoing a significant defensive reboot this summer, having sold Mario Gila to AC Milan and with Alessio Romagnoli set to join Al-Sadd in the coming days. As a result, manager Gennaro Gattuso is in urgent need of at least one new centre-back to bolster a department that currently includes Oliver Provstgaard, Patric, and Samuel Gigot.

The Biancocelesti have been actively pursuing defensive reinforcements. On Thursday, sporting director Angelo Fabiani traveled to Croatia to negotiate a deal with Dinamo Zagreb for Spanish defender Sergi Dominguez, but the gap between the two clubs’ valuations remains wide. Consequently, Lazio have shifted focus to alternative targets, and according to reports from Fabrizio Romano and Matteo Moretto, the club has already initiated dialogue with Doekhi, who became a free agent at the start of July.

Lazio make contact with Dutch defender who is available on a free transfer as they look to strengthen their backline without spending a transfer fee. Doekhi, a 27-year-old centre-back, brings considerable Bundesliga experience after three seasons with Union Berlin, where he made 137 appearances and scored 16 goals—an impressive tally for a defender. His profile fits Lazio’s need for a right-footed central defender to partner the left-footed Oliver Provstgaard, who is expected to take over Romagnoli’s starting role.

Interestingly, Lazio had previously agreed terms with Doekhi’s former Union Berlin teammate Diogo Leite, who also left the club as a free agent. However, Leite suffered an injury during the winter window, prompting Lazio to pull out of that deal. Unlike Leite, who is left-footed, Doekhi’s right-footedness aligns with the club’s current priority, making him a more suitable addition.

Doekhi’s career began at Ajax’s youth academy after being poached from his hometown Rotterdam in 2016. He moved to Vitesse two years later, where he developed into a reliable defender before joining Union Berlin on a free transfer in 2022. His time in Germany showcased his ability to contribute offensively, netting 16 times from set pieces and his physical presence. Now, Lazio make contact with Dutch defender who is available on a free transfer, hoping to secure a player with proven top-flight experience at no cost.

With the defensive overhaul in full swing, Lazio’s pursuit of Doekhi underscores their strategy of targeting value in the market. The club’s sporting director has been active in scouting opportunities, and this potential signing would provide immediate depth and competition for places. As negotiations progress, Lazio make contact with Dutch defender who is available on a free transfer, and fans will be eager to see if this move materializes in the coming days.

In conclusion, Lazio’s defensive rebuild is taking shape, and the addition of Danilho Doekhi could be a shrewd piece of business. The club’s need for a right-footed centre-back is urgent, and with Doekhi available without a transfer fee, the deal makes financial sense. While talks are still in the early stages, Lazio make contact with Dutch defender who is available on a free transfer, signaling their intent to secure a key reinforcement before the season begins.