Dortmund eye transfer move for ex-Leeds United defender who left after relegation from Premier League in 2022-23

Borussia Dortmund want to bolster their backline this summer and are eyeing a move for Eintracht Frankfurt centre-back Robin Koch, according to a report from Sky Sport Germany (h/t Get German Football News). Koch joined Frankfurt on loan from Leeds United following their relegation at the end of the 2022-23 season, and was then signed permanently upon the expiration of his contract last summer.

Dortmund have reportedly initiated discussions with Koch, who is understood to have a release clause in the region of €18-20 million in his current contract. According to Sky Sport Germany, preliminary talks between the two parties have already taken place, with further negotiations expected to follow. However, Sport1 journalist Christopher Michel has downplayed the likelihood of an imminent transfer, stating that a move for Koch is "currently not a topic" within the club.

While it remains to be seen who arrives at the Signal Iduna Park ahead of next season, a few names have already been linked with a summer departure, with Dortmund top scorer Serhou Guirassy one of those names circulating in the media. Earlier this week, Sky Sport Germany revealed that Liverpool, Man Utd, Man City, Chelsea, and Arsenal, along with LaLiga heavyweights Real Madrid and Barcelona, will be eligible to trigger a special clause in Guirassy's current contract, which will allow him to leave this summer.

With Niko Kovac's side currently gunning for a Champions League spot, they will face Hoffenheim on Saturday, April 26, in a crucial Bundesliga fixture. Dortmund are currently in seventh place with 45 points from 30 games.