Leeds United transfer news as West Ham could now sign Robin Koch to replace Declan Rice
West Ham United have entered the race to sign Leeds United defender Robin Koch this summer as a replacement for Declan Rice, according to journalist Tobi Altschaffl.
The German centre-back is considered a likely departure from Elland Road after the club’s relegation from the Premier League, with BILD reporting (13 June) that there is a clause in his contract that allows him to leave on a free transfer.
Florian Plettenberg has previously shared that Manchester United are interested in signing Koch, while German outfit Eintracht Frankfurt also hold interest in his services.
Taking to Twitter on Saturday, BILD journalist Altschaffl wrote: “In addition to Eintracht Frankfurt, West Ham entered the race for Robin Koch.
“At West Ham he is being discussed as a six and a possible Rice successor. Koch’s tendency is more towards the Bundesliga.”
Only a matter of time
Despite shipping a ridiculous amount of goals last season, Koch still came out of the 2022/23 season with his reputation intact.
The German is destined for the Elland Road exit doors this summer, and a move back into the Premier League makes a lot of sense on a free transfer.
West Ham have been in need of further centre-back additions since the departure of Craig Dawson in the January transfer window, so this interest makes a lot of sense from their perspective moving forward, however, his ability as a number six is still a little unclear.
If they were to seal a transfer, they would be getting a player who could slot straight into their defence and deal with the fast-paced and physical nature of the Premier League without any troubles, while looking abroad may be considered more of a risk.
The Whites are set to lose a vast number of players this summer, but Koch’s now looks almost nailed on.
However, his destination remains a mystery.
In other Leeds United news, an exit for Georginio Rutter is now on the cards as a development regarding the striker emerges.