Leeds close to signing German defender Koch from Freiburg
Leeds United are closing in on the £11.5 million signing of Robin Koch from Freiburg, according to sources.
The Whites have already smashed their transfer record by signing Valencia forward Rodrigo for £30 million.
Manager Marcelo Bielsa is now keen to improve his defensive options ahead of the club’s return to the Premier League.
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According to Daily Mail, Leeds are just days away from finalising the deal with Freiburg.
The club is believed to have agreed a four-year deal with Koch. The initial transfer fee could rise to around £13 million depending on add-ons.
Koch is a promising young centre back who can also play in defensive midfield. He’s been capped by Germany twice on the international stage.
Koch will partner Leeds captain Liam Cooper in defence as they aim to certify Premier League status.
The 24-year-old will be signed as a replacement for Ben White, who spent last season at Elland Road on loan from Brighton.
The Yorkshire club were desperate to sign White permanently, although Brighton held out and rejected two bids.
As a result, Leeds have had to look at alternative options and see Koch as a defender with Premier League potential.
At 6ft 3, the player should be a towering force in the Whites’ backline and will help to provide security when defending corners.
The player could become the club’s seventh summer signing, taking their spending to over £60 million.
They’ve already brought in Helder Costa from Wolves for £16 million and Illan Meslier from Lorient for £5 million.
Jack Harrison, Cory Drameh, Joe Gelhardt and Rodrigo make up the rest of their summer deals.
The forthcoming 2020/21 season will see Leeds compete in the top flight for the first time since 2004.
Leeds won the Championship convincingly, finishing ten points ahead of second placed West Brom.
It remains to be seen whether Bielsa can work his magic in the Prem by getting Leeds to compete with the very best.
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