Freiburg's German defender Robin Koch controls the ball during the German first division Bundesliga football match SC Freiburg v Mainz 05 in Freiburg, southern Germany, on August 17, 2019. (Getty Images)
According to Bild (h/t The Express), Tottenham are interested in signing SC Freiburg defender Robin Koch in the summer as they have been long-term admirers of the German.
The 23-year-old came through FC Kaiserslautern’s youth system and joined Freiburg in the summer of 2017. Since then, he has been a regular member of the squad and has been one of the best defenders in the Bundesliga this season.
The youngster has just one more year left on his contract with the German outfit and has told the club that he would not be extending his contract, as per the report. Therefore, Tottenham should make a swift move for Koch and add him to their defensive ranks this summer.
Since the enforced break, Jose Mourinho’s men have put in convincing displays. But the manager has a lot of work to do in the upcoming transfer window. Since they struggled with injuries to key players, the Portuguese tactician should look to add depth to the squad by bringing in reinforcements to multiple positions.
One key area the manager should focus on strengthening is the backline. The defensive unit has been shaky for the majority of the 2019/20 campaign, conceding 24 goals in the last 19 games across all competitions.
Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld haven’t been convincing at all this term and they are both above 30. And the manager has turned towards defensive midfielder Eric Dier to carry out the duties at the back. Youngster Juan Foyth’s future still remains uncertain. Thus, a centre-back is a must in the summer.
In that regard, signing Koch would be a massive boost to the squad. The youngster has been consistent in the last three years and has been solid at the back for Freiburg. He has helped his side reach the top half of the Bundesliga table and is a highly-regarded defender. He has featured in 31 games so far and has bagged one goal.
His inclusion to Mourinho’s squad would add young blood to their backline and he could be a valuable player for Tottenham if he is able to continue with the fine form. He has the ability to add depth and quality to the Lilywhites’ shaky backline.
At 23, Koch is at the right time of his life to take the next big step in his career. And Tottenham need to add youngsters to their backline as the Belgian duo are ageing. Thus, they should manage to lure the German international to North London this summer and bolster their defensive unit.
