Robin Koch wants to leave Freiburg this summer amid reported interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Leeds United, sporting director Klemens Hartenbach has told Transfermarkt.
After three years at the Bundesliga’s perennial overachievers – Germany’s answer to Burnley if you will – the 24-year-old centre-half looks set to be rewarded with a step up the ladder.
Koch has proved in recent months that there is more to his game than crunching tackles after all.
A 6ft 3ins giant blessed with underrated technical ability, the Germany international has stepped into a deep-lying midfield role impressively and it is that versatility which appears to have sparked interest from England.
The Sun (22 June, page 64) reports that the £22 million-rated Koch is in line to replace the now-departed Jan Vertonghen at Tottenham.
What’s more, he is flattered by interest from Jose Mourinho, one of the most influential coaches in the modern era even if that ‘special one’ moniker feels increasingly like a throwback to an ancient, bygone era.
“It’s no secret that Robin would like to take the next step,” Hartenbach admits, suggesting that Koch has played his final Bundesliga game under veteran Freiburg coach Christian Streich.
The sporting director adds that Koch will only be sold ‘if the conditions are right’ – or if someone is willing to meet that £22 million price-tag.
The Daily Star reported in April that West Ham are also keen while Victor Orta, Leeds United’s Director of Football, told the Yorkshire Evening Post that the former Kaiserslautern youngster was an option if the Whites could secure promotion.
Not only have Leeds been promoted, they have, to borrow a rather popular phrase, ‘gone up as champions’.
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