Robin Koch is likely to have played his last game for Championship giants Leeds United with Eintracht Frankfurt ‘confident’ of signing the Germany international on a permanent basis in 2024.
It is testament to how Robin Koch has performed upon his return to the Bundesliga that his omission from Julian Nagelsmann’s maiden Germany squad – left out ahead of the October international break – was greeted with plenty of raised eyebrows.
The Leeds United loanee is, after all, the glue holding together one of the division’s best defences. Koch has even captained Frankfurt twice in recent weeks, scoring with the armband around his bicep in the 6-0 Europa league thrashing of HJK Helsinki six days ago.
And, speaking to Sport1, Frankfurt sporting director Markus Krosche has all-but confirmed that Koch will be offered the opportunity to turn his temporary deal into a full-time transfer at the Commerzbank Arena.
Robin Koch could leave Leeds United permanently
“We are confident about (keeping Robin Koch),” Krosche admits. “I think the transfer was the right step for both sides. We were able to convince Robin of our club. So much, that he chose us.”
Koch, an £11 million signing from Freiburg in 2020, was linked with shock moves to Newcastle and even Manchester United before returning home.
“With his experience, he gives us the stability we need. Robin’s experience helps Tuta and Willian (Pacho, Frankfurt’s fellow centre-backs). I am confident that we will have a lot of fun with Robin for many years to come,” Krosche adds, the 27-year-old filling a void created by Evan Ndicka’s move to Roma.
“I believe that Robin is one of the best central defenders we currently have in Germany. That’s why, for me, he belongs in the national team.”
‘One of the best’
Leeds, pursuing a top six spot under Daniel Farke, replaced Koch with Joe Rodon. The Welsh colossus arriving from Tottenham Hotspur.
“I feel very comfortable here and have thought about the decision very carefully. Before the move, I also asked some players what it was like here. So far, expectations have even been exceeded,” Koch told Kicker recently.
“After the season, we will see what happens next.
“I can imagine (staying at Frankfurt) very well. I currently feel in perfect hands at Eintracht and want to achieve a lot here.”
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