Robin Koch hails Newcastle as report claims Leeds ace could sign for Eddie Howe

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Robin Koch is reportedly a target for Premier League rivals Newcastle United and, speaking to Spox, the Leeds defender has opened up on his admiration for the St James’ Park atmosphere. 

One of the few consistent performers for a Leeds side who have been anything but consistent throughout 2022/23, Koch is almost certain to attract plenty of admirers this summer, regardless of whether Javi Gracia’s side stay up or go down.

The Germany international is out of contract in 15 months’ time. Newcastle are eyeing up a potential cut-price swoop and BILD reporter Christian Falk, in conversation with Caught Offside, believes that a summer switch from West Yorkshire to Tyneside is very much a possibility. 

Could Robin Koch leave Leeds for Newcastle United?

Koch kept a rare clean sheet as Leeds drew 0-0 at Champions League-chasing Newcastle on New Years’ Eve. And the St James’ atmosphere obviously left an impression on him, the former Freiburg stopper highlighting Newcastle when asked to rank the best away grounds in the Premier League. 

“The first that comes to mind is Newcastle,” Koch says. “Old Trafford was good too, but it’s a derby against us too. Otherwise, I would also mention the stadiums of Liverpool and Aston Villa.

Koch, meanwhile, admits that ‘initial talks’ over a new deal at Leeds have begun. His future, however, is likely to rest on what happens between now and the end of May. Koch dreams of forcing his way back into the Germany squad ahead of Euro 2024 on home soil and relegation to the Championship would be fatal to his hopes of doing exactly that. 

“During the season, I want to distract myself as little as possible with future planning. Initial talks are currently underway between the club and my advisor,” Koch adds.

“Towards the end of the season and during the summer break, I will deal with (my future). Now my focus is 100 per cent on our games and goals.

“I am convinced that we will not be relegated. The position in the table does not reflect our performance. We play a lot of good games, but we forget to score.”