Leeds United have numerous ex-players who are playing for teams in European competition and for their national teams.
Erik ten Hag has recently taken the role at Bayer Leverkusen and he could have eyes on a former Leeds United player as the ex-Man United figure looks to rebuild.
He took over from Xabi Alonso, with the former Liverpool icon rebuilding Real Madrid alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold. This could all impact a former Leeds player from their most recent Premier League era.
Robin Koch was involved in that 4-1 defeat for Leeds against Spurs but he has had a fantastic time back in Germany with Eintracht Frankfurt since.
Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images
Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images
Erik ten Hag targets Robin Koch to replace Jonathan Tah
Koch’s side are guaranteed European football again next season, having played in the Europa League frequently in recent years but finishing third and above Borussia Dortmund to achieve Champions League football.
It was no surprise that Koch took a move away and that he has gone on to develop into a better player. Koch lines up alongside Rasmus Kristensen but that may not last much longer.
The 28-year-old may not be a Frankfurt player in their first season in the Champions League since 2022/23, with Koch linked to Bayer Leverkusen for €18–20 million.
That was first reported when Alonso remained in charge, but ten Hag’s new-look Leverkusen team are stepping up their efforts for a Champions League campaign of their own next year.
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In a merry-go-round of central defenders and managers, Jonathan Tah is joining Bayern Munich and thus Leverkusen want Koch — his German international teammate — to replace him.
The latest comes via ESPN, who claim he is the ‘potential successor’ at the BayArena. Having been at the club for two seasons, Koch has established himself as one of the best defenders in Germany’s top flight.
Photo by Silas Schueller/DeFodi Images via Getty Images
Photo by Silas Schueller/DeFodi Images via Getty Images
Robin Koch has been outstanding since leaving Leeds United
Koch was an okay player for Leeds but he has gone up another gear with Frankfurt. The German international often captains the side and has been extremely impressive in Europe and the Bundesliga.
Koch has just two years remaining on his contract this summer, meaning he has a major decision to make regarding his future during the remaining prime years of his career.
Team Appearances Goals Assists
1. FC Kaiserslautern 28 0 1
SC Freiburg 87 5 2
Leeds United 77 0 0
Eintracht Frankfurt 85 7 4
Germany 12 0 0
Robin Koch’s career stats
It’s clear that the grass is sometimes greener away from Leeds, with Koch richly deserving a move to Leverkusen if it now materialises.
Leeds will be looking at centre-backs this summer as well, with Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon needing competition. One such option for Leeds could be Jaka Bijol.