Leeds Utd star Robin Koch reveals stance on contract extension talks amid Newcastle transfer links
Robin Koch has confirmed that Leeds United are speaking to his agent about the prospect of extending his contract at Elland Road.
Koch has played for Leeds since 2020, when he joined the then newcomers to the Premier League from SC Freiburg in his native Germany. In the time since, he has amassed 66 appearances for the West Yorkshire side. This season has been his busiest for them with 28 outings so far.
However, there has been a risk that it could be his last at Elland Road. Koch’s current contract is due to expire in 2024. Therefore, Leeds might have to listen to offers for him in the summer to avoid losing him for free the year after.
In the meantime, Koch has been linked with a transfer elsewhere in the Premier League, to Newcastle United.
But the centre-back has now revealed that there are ongoing talks over a contract renewal with Leeds, even if he is focusing on the pitch himself for now.
Koch told Spox: “During the season, I want to distract myself as little as possible with future planning.
“Initial talks are currently underway between the club and my agent. Towards the end of the season, and during the summer break, I will deal with it.
“Now, my focus is 100% on our games and goals.”
In fact, Koch is glad to have become one of the leaders in the Leeds squad.
He added: “I feel very comfortable in the city and in the team. I’ve also made it my goal to grow even more into a leadership role, to lead the team even more on the pitch, to be even louder in training.
“It’s nice feedback to be voted one of the vice-captains by the team. Of course, it’s also important to perform well on the pitch.”
The 26-year-old wouldn’t even rule out staying at Leeds long enough to succeed Liam Cooper as their club captain.
Koch replied: “Why not? Yes. But even without an armband, I want to be a leader in the team and also set a good example on the pitch.”
Robin Koch expects Leeds to stay in Premier League
Of course, one lingering concern for Leeds at present is the risk of relegation. Javi Gracia’s side are currently in the bottom three of the Premier League, though it is tight at the bottom.
And Koch is “convinced” that the Whites will retain their Premier League status by the end of the season.
The Germany international said: “The question doesn’t come up. I’m convinced that we will not be relegated.
“The position in the table doesn’t reflect our performance. We play a lot of good games, but we forget to score. We have to become more relaxed.”
Incidentally, Koch has recently been named as one of the players who would be expected to leave Leeds in the event of relegation.
However, it seems he can still envisage a longer spell with the club, whom he will be trying to help guide away from the drop zone over the last 12 matches of their season.
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