Kicker has reported that Union Berlin is considering 22-year-old center-back Zeno Van Den Bosch as a potential defensive addition this winter. The Royal Antwerp player was previously linked to a move to the Bundesliga this past summer. Union is keen to monitor center-backs available for acquisition, particularly if either Danilho Doekhi or Diogo Leite departs during the ongoing January transfer window.
Both players have expiring contracts, giving Union one last chance to profit from their valued central defenders. Doehki is currently attracting interest from two Premier League clubs. Meanwhile, Leite missed most of the summer training camp due to a transfer request and only stayed in Köpenick after a last-minute transfer collapsed. Reports indicate that Florenz is willing to invest heavily in him.
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What might happen with these transfers?
It’s important to remember that both Doekhi and Leite can negotiate lucrative deals with other clubs during the current January transfer window. It’s possible that neither player wants to be in the position of negotiating terms with a club chosen by Union, preferring instead to take full control of their next career steps.
Of the two, Doekhi appears to be the more likely candidate to make a move this window. Few footballers pass up the opportunity to play in the EPL, regardless of which club seeks them. Should Doekhi transfer to England, it can be assumed that seasoned FCU managing director Horst Heldt is quite serious about pursuing Van Den Bosch.
Doekhi continues to impress
Premier League enthusiasts scouting the Dutch defender should take note: Doekhi kicked off 2026 with a stellar performance. The 27-year-old was close to scoring what could have been his seventh goal across all competitions in a 2-2 draw against Mainz this past Saturday, with Union substitute Marin Ljubicic merely nudging a Doekhi shot over the line.
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The only factor that might keep Doekhi in Köpenick this year is his excellent form with Union. He expressed his enjoyment of the current setup while speaking to the media on Saturday, commending head coach Steffen Baumgart for enabling the team to “push harder and exert more pressure” with effective tactical changes.
Baumgart’s deployment of Doekhi as a semi-striker in the final minutes and during set pieces has significantly contributed to his current goal tally. It’s uncertain whether he would replicate this success elsewhere. He may opt for a free transfer after the season with an EPL club of his preference. Meanwhile, Van Den Bosch could also join Union after the season on a free transfer.