Leeds United transfer news as Robin Koch agrees exit with final details today
New details about Robin Koch’s transfer from Leeds United to Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt have emerged, as reported by Sky Sports Germany.
Koch’s move will reportedly be a one-year loan, but it is not yet known if there will be an option to buy for the Germany international once the deal expires.
The centre-back joins the 2022 Europa League-winning club amid reported interest from Leeds’ rivals Manchester United, with Napoli and Bayer Leverkusen said to have been pondering a move.
Expected move
Koch was unlikely to want to play Championship football with Leeds next season.
Despite Leeds’ difficult season, Koch has proven himself to be dependable at the back, or as a central defensive midfielder so it is understandable why he has gained interest from top-flight sides.
His versatility also allows him to play as both a left or right-sided centre-back. This coupled with his 3.15 aerial duels won per 90 (91st percentile) and 4.31 clearances per 90 (70th percentile) [stats as per FBRef] means he is capable of performing for Frankfurt.
But Leeds would have been expecting the news, and it was unlikely Koch would have been in new manager Daniel Farke’s plans for their first season back in the second division.
The Daily Mail reported (25 June) that many Leeds players had clauses in their contracts meaning they could leave Leeds on loan if they were relegated, with Koch the most recent loanee departing Elland Road.
But with the announcement of Farke as manager, it is expected that Leeds will spend big this window with soon-to-be-announced new owners 49ers Enterprises set to give the manager an “aggressive” budget [Yorkshire Evening Post], so it is likely new defensive recruits are brought in.