Leeds United: Luke Ayling sends five-word message as Elland Road exit confirmed on Tuesday
Luke Ayling has sent a five-word message to Robin Koch after his confirmed exit from Leeds United on Tuesday 9 January.
Eintracht Frankfurt announced the permanent signing of the German defender (9 January) after Koch signed a pre-contract agreement at the Bundesliga outfit with his Elland Road deal expiring in six months.
Koch was very keen on staying at the German outfit beyond his loan agreement, wanting to impress ahead of Germany’s international fixtures in March and Euro 2024 this summer.
And Koch, took to his personal Instagram account (9 January) to announce his permanent move to Frankfurt, writing: “Enjoyed every moment so far and excited what the future holds! Our journey continues! We have a lot to do!”
Leeds veteran Ayling responded with a five-word message congratulating the German on his announcement, writing: “Congratulations fella. Miss you big man.”
Could follow
Koch has spent the opening stages of the season on loan at the Bundesliga club and has even captained the side, with his Elland Road contract up at the end of the campaign.
The 27-year-old has made some fantastic progress for Frankfurt, featuring in 14 Bundesliga games so far this campaign and even placing himself in the thoughts of Nagelsmann for the Germany squad.
Koch was one of the handful of players to leave Elland Road after the Whites were exiled from the Premier League last season, alongside Marc Roca, Brenden Aaronson, Diego Llorente and Rasmus Kristensen.
After the club’s relegation, there was always the chance a player of Koch’s qualities would leave Elland Road given he’s somewhat proven a step ahead of Championship football.
But the fact that the 27-year-old will now be leaving the club for nothing is a real shame but that’s the price of doing business when a player is on the last six months of his current deal.
Ayling certainly took no time in congratulating Koch on his move but given his struggles in the first team over the last few months and his limited minutes, he could well be following the German out of Elland Road.
In other Leeds United news, Adam Pope slammed a Whites player for his “embarrassing” performance against Peterborough.