Leeds United appear to have found a permanent home for on-loan defender Robin Koch after a sporting director outlined his aims of signing the player in a permanent deal.

The 27-year-old left Elland Road over the summer to join Eintracht Frankfurt on an initial season-long loan before returning to his native country. Koch had previously joined Leeds at the beginning of their Premier League journey, moving there in the summer of 2020 in a £12.9 million deal from Freiburg.

Koch had a difficult first couple of seasons due to injuries, but he went on to make 39 appearances across all competitions in 2022–23. But given that Leeds had a difficult season and had gone through four managers—including those in interim charge—it came as no surprise that the team was relegated.

In fact, Koch took use of a provision in his contract to leave Elland Road on loan, making him one of the first players out the door during the summer.

And after Evan Ndicka left on a free transfer to Roma, Frankfurt, who was looking for a replacement for him, immediately snatched up the eight-time German international.

Koch has proven to be a huge success for Frankfurt since relocating to Germany. He has played four times in the Bundesliga and has so far made two appearances in the Europa Conference League, always being a constant in the middle of their defense.

Currently ninth in the table, having won one and drawn three of their games, Dino Toppmoller’s side are one of just four sides still unbeaten in the Bundesliga this season.

Having only conceded three goals in that time, Koch’s performances have already been recognised.

Frankfurt want to sign Robin Koch from Leeds permanently

Markus Krosche, the club’s sporting director, has since stated that he would like to make his transfer there permanent.

Krosche claims that Frankfurt have a “clear plan” to “keep Koch for the long term” and after his one-year loan agreement expires, according to SportBild.

To that purpose, negotiations for a long-term contract are anticipated to start with Leeds in the coming year.

Lothar Matthaus, a legend in Germany, is also impressed and predicts Koch will push his way back into the team before the 2024 European Championships.

Krosche stated: “He’s right! Robin brings a lot of stability and wins a lot of duels. He is calm when building up the game under pressure. Certainly a clear candidate for the national team.”

After signing an extension during the first half of the previous season, his contract at Elland Road is set to end in the summer of 2025.

And while Leeds could eventually ask him to return after his loan period is through, the team is unlikely to make an effort to maintain a player who ultimately wants to go somewhere else.

Of course, a lot will depend on the division Leeds is in at the end of the season. Leeds won’t likely put up much of a fight if Frankfurt agree to their demands for a permanent deal, though, as loanee Joe Rodon is already having an impact as a replacement.