According to a report from regional Dutch outlet De Gelderlander from a few months back, Rangers were keeping close tabs on Vitesse Arnhem defender Danilho Doekhi ahead of a potential summer transfer. Amid all these speculations, the player has now opened up on his future as reported by the Daily Record.
“I can’t do anything with it now. All my business runs through my manager, but if something is serious, I will seriously think about it. “
“In recent months, various clubs have shown interest, but nothing has been concrete so far.”
The centre-half told De Gelderlander (as quoted by the Daily Record) when asked about the Rangers rumours.
Vitesse, meanwhile, clinched a 4th-placed league finish last season. Doekhi went on to feature 37 times (stats via Transfermarkt) across competitions and delivered a resolute display in the heart of the backline. Not only the Gers but also the likes of Newcastle United, Norwich City and Fulham monitored his progress in the recent past.
The 23-year-old joined Ajax’s youth set-up from Excelsior five years ago. However, he could not make it through to their senior side and opted to leave for Vitesse back in the summer of 2018. There he eventually grabbed a starting role and proved his worth in the Eredivisie circuit.
The Dutchman would be another exciting addition if a deal is struck in the coming days, but the plethora of central defensive options might have refrained the Gers from stepping up the chase. They have Connor Goldson, Filip Helander, Jack Simpson and Leon Balogun in their ranks, whereas Nikola Katic is ready to step in after overcoming a horrific year-long knee injury. Despite interest from the English second tier, George Edmundson would be handed another opportunity to stake a claim after impressing on loan at Derby County.
Why Rangers Should Still Monitor Doekhi Despite Ample Central Defensive Options
However, things might change quickly in the ongoing summer window. Goldson has entered the final year of his contract and the club are yet to tie him down on a long-term deal. Balogun’s extension has been triggered, but the veteran Nigerian should only be considered in a bit-part role. Helander has been on the radar of many clubs for his promising show, also the minutes could be limited for Katic to cope up with such a severe injury woe.
Doekhi, too, is contracted until 2022 and the Dutch side would prefer an exit this summer over losing him for free a year later. The Bears, therefore, should play the waiting game and try to secure his services on a Bosman given their reputation of signing free agents since Steven Gerrard’s arrival.
