Leeds United must open talks for permanent Robin Koch sale now after latest injury development
Leeds United loanee Robin Koch may not play again for Eintracht Frankfurt until the new year after a recent injury setback which could derail plans for a permanent sale in January.
German news outlet Frankfurter Rundschau shared on 14 November that the centre-back could be ruled out until 2024 and appeared to be “inconsolable” about the news, suffering a calf muscle fibre injury at an “inopportune time”.
It’s believed that Frankfurt do not know how long he’ll be out and much will depend on how much structure of the tissue is affected and how good his recovery is.
The injury blow has affected his shot at featuring in the latest Germany squad with manager Julian Nagelsmann planning to call him up for this month’s internationals had he not been injured.
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 actually made some fantastic progress for Frankfurt, featuring in 10 Bundesliga games so far this campaign and even placing himself in the thoughts of Nagelsmann for the Germany squad.
His great form in Germany has also led Eintracht Frankfurt sporting director Markus Krosche to claim that the club is confident of securing a permanent deal for the defender.
The sporting director was full of praise for Koch after his strong start to the season, claiming his experience and talent provided the team with more stability, and suggesting it was the right move for all parties.
Speaking to German outlet Sport1 on 1 November, Krosche was asked about Koch’s long-term future at the club, when he revealed: “We are confident about that. I think the transfer was the right step for both sides.
“We were able to convince Robin of our club so much that he chose us. With his experience, he gives us the stability we need. Robin’s experience helps Tuta and Willian [Pacho].
“I am confident that we will have a lot of fun with Robin for many years to come.”
However, this development could certainly derail any swift plans for a permanent move in January as Frankfurt will feel they’ll need to wait a bit longer for a decision given Koch’s current situation.
Leeds United will be denied a significant healthy windfall should that happen with Koch’s deal at Elland Road running out in June 2024.
The Whites will not want to lose a player entering his prime years and on the cusp of international stardom for nothing which could well force them to open talks with Frankfurt while his impressive form is still fresh in their thinking.
Talks must be initiated very quickly.
In other Leeds news, injured ace suffers setback in recovery from injury.