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Leeds United news as Robin Koch talks include relegation release clause
Robin Koch’s discussions with Leeds United about a new contract have included the possibility of a relegation release clause, according to Mo Ibrahim.
Reporting via Twitter (Thursday, 16 March), Ibrahim, who is the English site editor for Sky Sports Italy journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, shared that Leeds rejected any approaches for Koch in the January transfer window.
The German defender openly admitted that his agent is in talks with the Whites over an extension but that a decision wouldn’t be made until the end of the season. [Spox, 13 March]
The 26-year-old’s current contract in West Yorkshire expires at the end of the 2024 season, meaning that Leeds could lose him on a free transfer if they don’t tie down his future this summer.
Ibrahim wrote: “Leeds United are speaking to Robin Koch about his new contract as the player stated a few days ago.
“Still early talks. There has been a discussion regarding a potential release clause in Koch’s new contract.
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“Leeds rejected any chances for Koch to leave in January.”
Not ideal
A relegation release clause is never nice to hear when a player is haggling a new contract, but it is fully expected for a player of Koch’s class.
In his recent interview with Spox, the Leeds defender admitted that he was targeting a future with the German national team – something that clearly wouldn’t be possible if he were playing Championship football.
As is expected with a large portion of the Whites’ squad, Premier League survival will determine the make-up of the squad beyond this season.
Hopefully, Javi Gracia can get the Elland Road faithful in full song with a sustained run of form that can firstly help Leeds stay in the top flight and secondly tempt Koch not to bother with a relegation release clause.
The centre-back has been a mainstay in the Whites’ defence this season and quickly established himself as an indispensable figure in the dressing room in West Yorkshire.
In other Leeds United news, the club may now face a losing battle to keep their star player at Elland Road beyond the summer transfer window.
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