Ex-Leeds United defender Robin Koch set for shock £16m switch

Add as preferred source on Google

Leeds United have plenty of former players currently playing their football at a higher level than the Championship, with a number having impressive careers since leaving West Yorkshire.

The Whites lost many but Raphinha is perhaps the best example of a former Leeds United player who has had the most success, featuring for one of Europe’s giants in FC Barcelona.

However, the likes of Diego Llorente, Archie Gray, Georginio Rutter, and Marc Roca have all enjoyed success in recent seasons after leaving Leeds. The Whites will now be hoping to retain more of their core this time around in the Premier League.

Another example is Robin Koch, with the German international centre-back currently plying his trade with high-flying Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga. Koch’s side are guaranteed at least a Europa League place for next season, with the possibility of a Champions League place on the line today.

• READ MORE: Leeds United now looking at signing Sean Longstaff’s ‘outstanding’ Newcastle United teammate

Bayer Leverkusen join the race for Robin Koch

Koch has been a key part of the team sat third in the division heading into final day. However, the 28-year-old may not be a Frankfurt player for much longer if reports are to be believed.

Having been at the club for two seasons, Koch has established himself as one of the best defenders in Germany’s top flight. He was one of many departures from Elland Road the summer they were relegated from the Premier League.

With the ramifications of being demoted from the top-flight, particularly for a club that spent big and brought in players of a certain calibre like Leeds did being very apparent, a whole host of the outgoings were done as loan deals as a result of clauses inserted into a number of contracts.

The aim of these players leaving was to increase their transfer values during their respective spells away from the Whites. One of those was defender Koch but he also had just a year remaining on his deal in West Yorkshire as well.

Despite their relegation, the German international was one of few to emerge with credit given how he performed. Therefore, it was no surprise that Koch took a move away and that he has gone on to develop into a better player. Koch lines up alongside Rasmus Kristensen but that may not last much longer.

Per Florian Plettenberg, Bayer Leverkusen have entered the race for Koch and are prepared to trigger his release clause of €18–20 million (£15.1-16.8 million). He states that talks have already taken place, but a final decision is still pending.

That’s because RB Leipzig are also in the race and have held talks regarding the centre-back. Borussia Dortmund remain interested as well. Eintracht Frankfurt want to keep him and are pushing for a contract extension.

He states that it’s an open race, with no commitments made to any club so far. Koch will be plying his trade for a club in European competition no matter what next season, with each side in for his signature also qualifying for European football.

• READ MORE: Graham Smyth issues concerning Leeds United transfer claim with 49ers set to make ‘big’ decision

Robin Koch’s career stats amid Dortmund and Leverkusen interest

There were plenty of senior players in the Leeds squad that were not going to be playing Championship football in 2023/24, especially for those with pedigree at international level like Koch.

It appears as though he has gone up another gear with Frankfurt, though. The German international often captains the side and has been extremely impressive in Europe and the

Koch has just two years remaining on his contract this summer, meaning he has a major decision to make regarding his future during the remaining prime years of his career.