---
title: "Leeds join West Ham in the race for Koch"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2020/08/19/leeds-join-west-ham-in-the-race-for-koch/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Dan Clubbe"
section: "Feature Writers"
published: "2020-08-19T12:00:00Z"
modified: "2020-08-19T12:00:00Z"
---

# Leeds join West Ham in the race for Koch

West Ham could face a transfer battle this summer as [the Telegraph report](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2020/08/16/mike-mcgraths-transfer-notebookleeds-united-will-look-germany/) that Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa wants to bring Hammers’ target Robin Koch to Elland Road.

The 24-year-old defender, who plays for Bundesliga club SC Freiburg, has been widely reported as a target for the Hammers, but now it seems the East London club could face a battle to land their man with newly-promoted Leeds joining the hunt.

Freiburg turned down £17.5m for Koch from Leipzig in January but it is believed that a figure of this mark could see either Premier League club land their man this summer.

The former 1. FC Kaiserslautern man has been capped by Germany on two occasions and was an integral part of the Freiburg side which defied the odds by finishing eighth last season.

Read West Ham Verdict

It is pretty much common knowledge that Moyes wants to bolster his central defensive options at the London Stadium this summer.

Koch could be the ideal addition and his aerial ability and his versatility would give Moyes’ squad additional options next term.

However, Leeds’ newly found interest in the player could make life difficult as the Hammers pursue a possible transfer, but West Ham should have enough pulling power to beat a newly promoted side, even one as big as Leeds, to any signing.