Luke Ayling speaks out on Instagram as Leeds United exit confirmed
Luke Ayling described Robin Koch as a “good man with a good heart” in a heartfelt farewell following the German’s exit from Leeds United.
The Germany international departed Elland Road on loan for Eintracht Frankfurt after just a single campaign at Elland Road.
Koch was a part of the Leeds side that suffered relegation from the Premier League last season and has opted to return to the Bundesliga.
The centre-back posted an emotional goodbye on Instagram on Wednesday (6 July), which led to a reply from Leeds right-back Ayling.
“A brilliant human. A good man with a good heart all the best mate,” Ayling wrote.
Koch departure inevitable
Ayling’s message to Koch shows how valued he was by his Leeds team-mates, seemingly on and off the pitch.
But Leeds’ demotion to the second tier meant an exit was always likely, especially as Koch will have designs on making Germany’s squad for Euro 2024, which the nation is hosting.
Koch is the first of several stars who could end up leaving this summer, with Willy Gnonto, Rodrigo Moreno and Tyler Adams among the big names who have all been linked with an exit.
The focus for new manager Daniel Farke is on figuring out which players can be moved on so that he can start the job of adding bodies who can help secure Leeds an immediate return to the Premier League.
It is not going to be an easy job, but after months of turmoil behind the scenes the appointment of Farke and the imminent takeover of 49ers Enterprises means there is plenty of reason for optimism.
In other Leeds United news, boost for Daniel Farke as Max Wober looks set to remain at Elland Road.