Newcastle United are making preparations for the summer transfer window.. One player linked with a move to St James’ Park is Robin Koch of Leeds United, but Fabrizio Romano is not convinced.
Eddie Howe will be looking to add bodies for almost every position in the summer as the club looks to build on the surprise success they’ve already achieved this season. As the club scours the market for defensive reinforcements, some outlets have linked the Magpies with a move for Robin Koch.
The German defender currently plies his trade at Leeds United, but as his international career falters he will be looking for a move to a more high-profile club and given Newcastle‘s meteoric rise, Tyneside could be the ideal destination for him.
Koch has been linked to several clubs as well as Newcastle
However, transfer guru, Fabrizio Romano still needs to be convinced, telling CaughtOffisde: “On links with Robin Koch – Newcastle are still preparing their summer strategy, I’m not sure the targets are 100% clear at this stage,” Romano said.
“For sure they will be busy and they are tracking many players.
“Koch has many clubs interested but it’s not something advanced at this stage.”
Described as ‘incredible‘ by his former boss, Jesse Marsch, Koch has been solid at the back for Leeds despite their perilous position. If he us unable to secure Premier League safety for the Lilywhites then it’s almost inevitable that he will move on.
Should Leeds mange to survive the drop they will likely still struggle to keep hold of their eight-times-capped German international with several clubs keen on the centre-back.
Is he better than what we already have?
At 26 years old, Koch will still hold the ambition of gaining more international caps having not been called upon since 2021 when he joined up with the German national side at Euro 2020, however he remained an unused sub as Germany crashed out in the round of 16 thanks to a 2-0 England win.
This season Koch has made 25 appearances for Leeds garnering an average rating of 6.01 on infogol who also show that he has a 70% success rate when it comes to tackling and a 78% pass completion rate. Comparing him to Fabian Schar, he is way behind the Swiss international’s 85% tackle success rate, but does pip Schar on passing by one percent. Schar has made two fewer appearances than Koch, but the difference in defensive stats is vast.
Like Romano, I am unconvinced by this one, although it is difficult for a defender to shine in a team that’s fighting a relegation battle. Maybe with better players around him and an atmosphere more conducive to success, he might end up being a good addition to Howe’s squad.
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