Leeds prepare for life without Ben White – Is Bielsa right in signing £15m ace as replacement?

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Rohan Sengupta

Why Leeds United must make a move for Freiburg’s Robin Koch

According to the Brighton and Hove Independent, Leeds United are already preparing for life without on-Leicester City’s loan centre-back Ben White, with the Yorkshire club said to be keen on signing SC Freiburg defender Robin Koch.

Ben White, 22, has been an important part of the Whites’ backline, making 33 appearances so far. The Englishman has excelled in his debut season at Championship but the chances of Leeds keeping White beyond this season are slim, as Brighton view the 22-year-old as a long-term replacement for their skipper Lewis Dunk, claims the Brighton and Hove Independent.

However, Leeds are not wasting any time in trying to bring in a replacement for White, with the club keen on landing £15m-rated defender Robin Koch, the report adds.

Robin Koch in action for Freiburg (Getty Images)
Robin Koch in action for Freiburg (Getty Images)

The Whites are pushing hard for automatic promotion this season as they currently sit 5 points clear of third-placed Fulham with 12 games left to play. Marcelo Bielsa’s side came extremely close to crossing the line last season but fell short in the last month of the season, missing out on the top-two to Sheffield United, to then bow out of the playoffs against Derby County.

Leeds are back to winning ways, after picking up two consecutive league wins over Bristol City and Reading respectively.

While it is premature to talk about promotion, Leeds’ proactive nature of replacing White next season is a step in the right direction. White has been a consistent performer for Bielsa’s side this season but he’ll return to Brighton when his loan deal expires in June. And replacing White with Robin Koch would not be a bad idea for the Whites.

Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa on the touchline. (Getty Images)
Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa on the touchline. (Getty Images)

Koch, 23, has made 22 appearances for SC Freiburg this season, helping the club to ninth place in the Bundesliga table. He has also gone on to be capped twice by Germany, making his international debut in October last year.

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The German is a top talent that would bolster Leeds’ defence, whilst adding competition and depth to the squad. Koch has good experience of German football, having made over 150 appearances. The centre-back is only 23 years old and he still has real potential to be tapped into.

Verdict

Koch is a bright young player and there are chances of him establishing himself at a higher level under the guidance of Bielsa. Hence, Leeds must do everything possible to sign the defender from Freiburg in the summer.