1. FC Union Berlin can continue to count on the qualities of centre-back Danilho Doekhi, with both sides agreeing to a contract extension.

A constant presence in defence

Since joining Union in the summer of 2022, the joint Dutch and Surinamese citizen has become a regular in the defence and immediately proved his worth in his first game in the iconic red and white. In the 6-1 win over Schalke 04 he showed both his composure and nose for goal when he headed in Morten Thorsby's cross to make it 1-0.

The 6'3" defender has now scored eight goals for Union, all with his head, seven of wehich have been in the Bundesliga, while the other was against his former club, Ajax Amsterdam, when the five-time Dutch U21 international put one past them in the round of 32 of the 2022/23 UEFA Europa League.

Doekhi, who has now made 72 appearances for Union and was voted onto the team council for the third year in a row in the summer, has also demonstrated his importance to the coach and team this season. He has been on the pitch the full nintey-plus minutes in all eight competitive games played so far and has been annintegral part of the second-best defence in the Bundesliga, with only four goals conceded.

The views on the new deal

"I'm delighted with the trust and appreciation shown by Union," said Doekhi on the inking of his new deal. "The sporting directors have made it clear that they want to continue planning and working with me, and I also feel very comfortable here. I want to keep the focus fully on football and, together with the team, make the people here happy with good results." 

Horst Heldt, Director of Men's Professional Football at 1. FC Union Berlin said meanwhile: "Danilho has developed into one of the best centre-backs in the Bundesliga. He is constantly working to improve and has taken another step forward in the current season, both as a player and as a leader in the dressing room. I am pleased that we have reached an agreement and extended the contract."