Leeds player could replace Pontus Jansson, would be perfect move for him – Opinion

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Reports on Friday have claimed that Brentford are one of five Premier League clubs to have opened talks with Leeds United over a deal for defender Robin Koch – and a move to Brentford, replacing Pontus Jansson, would suit him.

Koch, 26, was a mainstay for Leeds last season – starting 36 of the 38 Premier League matches Leeds played, and 39 in total including cup competitions. But the Germany star is now expected to leave, with Euro 2024 next summer.

The four-year deal he signed in 2020 is due to expire next summer, but Koch will have little desire to play second-tier football. 90Min say Manchester United, Spurs, Brentford, Nottingham Forest and Newcastle have held talks.

Of course, Jansson has left Brentford after four years at the club. He is set to rejoin Swedish side Malmo, the club he came through as a kid, and continues to support. Brentford prefer to play with three defenders at the back.

Losing Jansson has left Brentford in need of another centre-back. They have Ethan Pinnock, Mathias Jorgensen, Ben Mee and Kris Ajer. They could do with another. Koch fits the bill, especially given the German contingent.

Brentford open talks for Koch, move to replace Jansson suits him

Kevin Schade has joined permanently, Vitaly Janelt is at the club and plenty of others have Bundesliga experience. New goalkeeper Mark Flekken has come in from Freiburg, where he played alongside Koch before Koch left in 2020.

So, Brentford is a move that will appeal to Koch – because of the identity of their players, and because they play with a back three, meaning more game time for him. Replacing Jansson in West London would be his perfect move.

How much will Brentford have to pay however, remains to be seen. Certainly, an asking price will have been reduced given Leeds have been relegated. But if Leeds get the fee they paid for him in 2020, then a move suits all parties.