Leeds United appear to have found a permanent home for on-loan defender Robin Koch after a sporting director expressed his intention to sign the player permanently.
The 27-year-old left Elland Road in the summer and initially returned to his hometown at Eintracht Frankfurt for a season.
Koch had already moved to Leeds at the start of his Premier League adventure, joining Freiburg in a £12.9 million deal in the summer of 2020.
While he struggled with injuries in the early seasons, Koch made 39 appearances in all competitions during the 2022/23 season.
However, with Leeds struggling throughout the season and relying on four different managers, including caretaker coaches, it was no surprise that the club was relegated.
In fact, Koch was one of the first players this summer to use a clause in his contract to leave Elland Road on loan.
And the eight-time German international was quickly recruited by Frankfurt, who were looking for a successor to Evan Ndicka after his free transfer to Roma.
Advertisement Since moving to Germany, Koch has enjoyed great success in Frankfurt.
He was a constant presence at the heart of the defence, played four times in the Bundesliga and also made two appearances in the Europa Conference League.
DinoToppmoller’s side currently sit ninth in the table, having won one game and drawn three, making them one of four teams still undefeated in the Bundesliga this season.
Having conceded just three goals in that period, Koch’s achievements are already being recognised.Frankfurt want to permanently buy Robin Koch from Leeds And now Frankfurt sporting director Markus Krosche has already expressed his desire to make his move to the club permanent.
Announcement Speaking to Sport Bild, Krosche says Frankfurt have a “clear plan” to “retain Koch long-term” and beyond the end of his one-year loan deal.
To this end, talks with Leeds over a permanent deal are expected to take place in the new year.German legend Lothar Matthaus is also impressed after suggesting Koch force his way back into the German national team ahead of the 2024 European Championship.
Krosche explained: “He’s right! Robin brings a lot of stability and wins many duels. He is calm when building a game under pressure.
Definitely a clear candidate for the national team.
Leed sare reportedly demanding a transfer fee in the region of €15 million for Koch, returning the club the £12.9 million they originally paid for his signature.
His contract at Elland Road expires in the summer of 2025, having signed an extension during the first half of last season.
An dal though Leeds could ultimately ask him to return once his loan expires, the club are unlikely to push to keep a player who ultimately wants to go elsewhere. Of course, a lot will depend on which league Leeds play in at the end of the season.
However, with loanee Joe Rodon making his presence felt as a replacement, Leeds are unlikely to put up much resistance if Frankfurt meet their demands for a permanent deal.
