Why Leeds United signing Robin Koch would be a smart move

According to Brighton and Hove Independent, Leeds United are targetting a move for Freiburg defender Robin Koch ahead of the summer transfer window.

The report suggests that Leeds have accepted defeat in trying to retain Ben White for the next season. To replace the Brighton loanee, they have turned their attention towards Koch, who is rated at £15m.

Koch, 23, came through SV Dorbach and Eintracht Trier’s youth system before moving to FC Kaiserslautern in 2015. After two years at the club, he was signed by SC Freiburg. Since then, he has been a regular member of the Bundesliga side.

The German has featured in 21 league games so far and has been impressive throughout the campaign, helping the team keep 5 clean sheets. His performances also earned him a call-up to the national team and he made his debut in a 2-2 friendly draw against Argentina last October. He also played the full 90 minutes of the game where Germany thrashed Belarus 4-0 in the European qualifiers.

Meanwhile, Marcelo Bielsa’s men have faltered in recent weeks. The manager needs to strengthen his squad for the next season and replacing Ben White should be at the top of his list.

He has been the best defender for the club this season, featuring in all 32 games for the Whites. Apart from him, captain Liam Cooper and Gaetano Berardi are the only two centre-backs available in the squad. Hence, an interest in Freiburg’s Robin Koch is logical.

Koch has averaged 1.2 tackles, 1.2 tackles and 3.7 clearances per game in the league, according to Whoscored. Suffice to say, Leeds would benefit by signing the player to add depth to their defensive unit.

The German international is a centre-back by trade but is also capable of playing as a defensive midfielder – a position where Leeds have only one established player in Kalvin Phillips.

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Verdict

Thus, by signing Koch, the Whites would potentially have a solution for the lack of numbers in their defensive unit.

Therefore, Leeds must do everything possible to lure the 23-year-old to Elland Road as early as this summer.