Journalist says Leeds man could become captain of his loan club, expects him to join permanently

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German outlet Sport1’s Eintracht Frankfurt reporter Christopher Michel has told Leeds Live he can see Leeds United defender Robin Koch captaining Frankfurt down the line – and expects a permanent move.

Koch joined Frankfurt from Leeds on a season-long loan in what is the final year of the four-year deal he signed with Leeds back in 2020. It basically ends his stay at Leeds, given he will be leaving on a free.

An eight-time Germany international, Koch decided to return to his home country in an attempt to try and win a place back in Germany’s side ahead of Euro 2024. Julian Nagelsmann has been watching him.

Indeed, Koch has exceeded expectation. He has played every minute of Frankfurt’s 12 games in League and Cup, largely as the middle defender in a back three. He has even scored for the Bundesliga side.

Koch is out of contract next summer and will be able to discuss a pre-contract with Frankfurt – or any non-English clubs – from January 1. Michel thinks he could become captain, and expects him to sign.

“He is the head of defence. Koch kept his word with that, he wanted to manage. It’s hard to imagine the team without him. Personally, I even see him as a player who can captain Frankfurt in the future.

“Eintracht wants Koch, Koch feels very comfortable. There’s a lot of evidence pointing to a permanent transfer. His contract expires in the summer, then he is a “free agent”. They should find a solution.”

Michel: Leeds defender Koch captaining Frankfurt, expects deal

Koch has been sensational and if he continues in the way he has done, you can expect to see his name listed in the Germany squad for the November break. That, in itself, shows how well Koch has done.

At Leeds, Koch has spoken of the risk – to SGE4ever – that comes with playing for us in the top tier. As a defender, it was impossible to plug the leaks, conceding a huge number of goals in the Premier League.

Going to Frankfurt, who are defensively solid but still potent in attack, Koch has excelled. Being back in his home country too, will extend his chances of a call-up. A permanent deal looks pretty nailed on.