Robin Koch is about to deal a blow to Manchester United and Newcastle United as he will likely return to the Bundesliga.
According to Kicker, Robin Koch will likely return to top-flight football and play in the Bundesliga next season. The possible decision will come as a blow for Manchester United and Newcastle United, who were keen to snap up the 26-year-old German defender from relegated Leeds United.
Robin Koch may have suffered relegation with Leeds United last season. But there is no doubting his qualities on the pitch. He is a quality defender and a leader in that team, which unfortunately got demoted to the Championship.
The 26-year-old German defender had plenty of suitors since the January window ended. A decision from the centre-back seems imminent regarding his future. But he looks increasingly likely to play in the Bundesliga rather than continue in England.
Newcastle United and Tottenham have been keeping tabs on the defender since March. Spurs have needed new defensive reinforcements in this window and may have looked at Koch’s experience in the Premier League. They have since moved on and have started stepping up to sign other priority targets.
Newcastle United’s interest in Koch caught the attention, particularly after the Magpies finished the season in the top four. With Champions League football on offer and a more competitive team under Eddie Howe, the 26-year-old German defender might have considered joining them.
Similarly, Manchester United were the latest to be linked with the 26-year-old. Erik ten Hag remains keen to add quality depth to his defensive ranks. But they have yet to start their pursuits in full swing. However, considering Koch could leave Leeds United cheaply, he could have become a concrete option.
But the German defender is set to deal a blow to Manchester United and Newcastle United’s hopes of pursuing him. The 26-year-old seems intent on a return to the Bundesliga, with Eintracht Frankfurt and Bayer Leverkusen battling for his signature.
At Eintracht Frankfurt, he might replace Evan Ndicka, who has joined AS Roma on a free transfer. Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen could see him as the ideal replacement for Tottenham-linked Edmond Tapsoba. Hence, Koch will play a key role in either of those Bundesliga sides, which he may have yet to achieve in the Premier League.
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Koch remains determined to keep his place in the national team intact for UEFA Euro 2024 and possibly the World Cup. He feels the need to keep playing regularly and believes the Bundesliga will offer him the desired game time.
