Several of their contracts featured loan provisions, which became active as soon as their return to the Championship was confirmed. As a result, eight players were sent out on loan.

Robin Koch was the first to address the outcry on social media from Leeds fans, who were upset that the team was not paid any transfer money for these players.

With his Leeds contract scheduled to expire in the summer, Koch became the first player to finalise a permanent departure from Elland Road earlier this week by signing a four-year contract with Eintracht Frankfurt.

That has now concluded his three and a half-year chapter, and in an interview with the Athletic, Koch stated that the criticism he endured from fans following his exit truly wounded him.

Koch says Leeds fans comments hurt him

“Obviously, I can understand the anger, but it hurt me to read a lot of the comments from fans on social media,” he stated. Relegation was a terrible blow to the fervent Leeds supporters, who absolutely adore their team. To succeed with Leeds and please the Leeds supporters, I always gave it my all.

The fact that we weren’t able to stay up at the end of the previous season made me feel awful. Indeed, the squad had very high calibre members. We had good enthusiasm as a group and were good. Unfortunately, we were unable to break free from the negative cycle we were in due to the numerous injury concerns we had to deal with.

We made every effort to stay above the bottom. It was a very difficult time when it was decided. I had to cope with that for a while after being demoted. I had no intention of leaving Leeds during the season, and I never gave it much thought.

“As a football player, you have ambitions, but I was completely focused on the relegation battle.” My goal has always been to perform to the best of my abilities. Re-joining the German national squad was and still is one of my top priorities. Taking the risk at Eintracht and going for this objective was a fantastic opportunity for me.

In the end, it is difficult to fault Koch for returning to his home country with the goal of joining the Germany team for the upcoming European Championship this summer.

Markus Krosche, the club’s sporting director, and the media have both praised Koch for his performances while he has been in Frankfurt.It was obviously the proper decision.

It would have been wonderful if he could have found a team ready to sign him permanently, though, considering his contract issue, so Leeds could have received some cash. Ultimately, though, this is his career.