Leeds defender wanted by many clubs

Leeds United centre-back Robin Koch ‘has many clubs interested’ in his services, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Contract talks

Koch has missed just one Premier League fixture this season, featuring regularly alongside January signing Max Wober in recent weeks under new head coach Javi Gracia.

The German has admitted that he would be open to becoming Whites captain in the future and has also said that his advisor has already held talks with Elland Road officials over a new contract. The defender’s current deal expires in 2024, with Koch recently saying:

“During the season, I want to distract myself as little as possible with planning for the future.

“The first talks between the club and my advisor are currently underway. Towards the end of the season and during the summer break, I will deal with that. Now my focus is 100 per cent on our games and goals.”

However, despite the in-house talks over a new contract, it looks as if he is of interest to a plethora of clubs ahead of the summer window.

The Latest: Romano’s comments

Romano was talking in his Caught Offside column regarding Koch in the last 48 hours. He name-checked Newcastle following links of a move to St James’ Park for Koch, adding that ‘many clubs’ are ‘interested’ in the Leeds man.

“On links with Robin Koch – Newcastle are still preparing their summer strategy, I’m not sure the targets are 100% clear at this stage.

“For sure they will be busy and they are tracking many players. “Koch has many clubs interested but it’s not something advanced at this stage.”

The Verdict: One to watch

Should Leeds suffer relegation to the Championship, then perhaps Koch could be one of a number of players to leave Elland Road, potentially alongside young forward Wilfried Gnonto, who is attracting interest from Juventus.

Koch has impressed at centre-back in 2023, coming in for praise from Sky Sports pundit Clinton Morrison, who said this about the defender following the 0-0 draw with Brentford in January.

‘I thought Robin Koch at the back was outstanding.

‘I thought he was brilliant. He put his body on the line, he defended well. He had a real good battle with Ivan Toney. Both players got booked, and you have to battle Ivan Toney because he’s a brilliant striker who can cause you problems. He was in his face and was battling him, but they defended ever so well.’

Therefore, it could be one to keep an eye on over the coming months, but hopefully, Koch will help Leeds remain in the top flight, which will leave the Whites in a good position to fend off potential offers, especially if the player signs new terms in Yorkshire.