Behind-the-scenes work underway on tough transfer process for 24y/o, Leeds ready bid – reports
It seems that Leeds United will have to work hard to sign Freiburg centre-back Robin Koch this summer, according to German magazine Kicker.
The Athletic journalist Phil Hay has reported that Leeds are expected to table a “firm bid” for the 24-year-old Germany international this week.
However, Kicker reports that while work is underway behind-the-scenes for Koch’s transfer away from Freiburg, the process is being described as “tough”.
It is understood that Freiburg are yet to know who they are more likely to sell Koch to.
Leeds’ interest is noted by the German magazine’s website while Newcastle, Lazio and AC Milan are said to be keen on the centre-back, who is in the final year of his contract at the Bundesliga club.
It doesn’t help Leeds or Freiburg resolve the situation with Koch set to play for the German national team in September.
Germany play UEFA Nations League matches against Spain and Switzerland next week and Joachim Lowe has included Koch in his squad.
Koch has spoken out about his call-up to the Germany squad and the transfer speculation surrounding his future at Freiburg.
“It’s an unusual situation to travel in the middle of preparation for the national team, but I’m very happy about the nomination and to see the guys in the national team for a long time, even if we were in contact with the group from time to time,” he said, as quoted by Kicker.
When asked about his future, Koch added:” I’m still here and I’m the type that I let all of this come my way and don’t worry too much about it.”
Koch doesn’t seem to be in too much of a rush to resolve his future but Leeds might feel very differently.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side start their life back in the Premier League in just over two weeks’ time and after failing to re-sign Ben White, Liam Cooper remains the only senior centre-back under contract at Elland Road.
Bielsa needs to sign Koch as soon as possible so he can get him ready to play against Liverpool at Anfield next month but the centre-back’s inclusion in the Germany squad is a huge issue.
In other Leeds United news, Sky Sports Fantasy Football have confirmed the price of a player who is yet to officially join Leeds.