Leeds United centre-back Robin Koch could be on his way out of Elland Road, as German media outlet Sport1 have linked him with a summer move.
Koch signed for the Whites in the summer of 2020 from German outfit SC Freiburg. Despite a somewhat shaky start to his time in West Yorkshire, he has now established himself as a regular starter in the Leeds XI alongside Max Wober.
The 26-year-old’s contract is due to expire in 2024, yet Sport1 have suggested Koch may be open to a move away from Leeds as early as this summer. They report that Koch is keen to “take the next step in his development for the new season”.
Fellow Premier League side Newcastle United are the only named suitor for the German, but other top-flight sides are also alleged to be interested.
Koch is also believed to be gaining attention from within the Bundesliga. The Leeds man may look at a return to his homeland in order to earn the interest of current Germany head coach Hansi Flick, with Koch previously expressing his desire to represent his country internationally.
“I definitely want to play another tournament with and for Germany,” Koch said in a previous interview with Sport1.
“The European Championship at home is my big goal. I will continue to step on the gas for that!”
The Leeds defender has not featured for Germany since a June 2021 friendly against Denmark despite being picked for then-manager Joachim Low’s Euros squad in the same year.
Dependent on relegation?
Whether or not Koch leaves or stays at Leeds this summer will most probably hinge on the Whites’ league status come the end of the season. If he is serious about representing Germany at the upcoming Euros, then he will most likely look for a move elsewhere were Leeds to sink into the Championship.
To see him go, however, would be a shame. He has become a real mainstay of the defence recently, to the extent where he has made himself effectively undroppable.
Retaining Koch’s services is just another reason – among many – that Leeds cannot afford to go down this season.
