Jan Vertonghen was released by Tottenham after his contract expired this summer and we’re on the hunt for his replacement ahead of the new season.
Spurs have been linked with Brighton & Hove Albion’s Ben White and Lewis Dunk, Beijing Guoan’s Kim Min-jae, Inter Milan’s Milan Skriniar, Sevilla’s Diego Carlos, Celtic’s Kristoffer Ajer, Schalke 04’s Ozan Kabak and Norwich City’s Ben Godfrey, but SC Freiburg’s Robin Koch could be a good addition.
Is he available?
Yes. Kicker state that Koch wants to leave Freiburg this summer. The 24-year-old has one year remaining on his deal at the Schwarzwald-Stadion and looks unlikely to extend his stay, so Tottenham could capitalise on the situation. Freiburg won’t want to lose the centre-back on a free transfer in 2021, so they could cash in this summer.
Freiburg finished 8th in the Bundesliga last season, so Tottenham being in the Europa League could be enough to lure Koch to North London.
Is there much competition?
According to Mike McGrath of the Telegraph, Leeds United are considering a move for Koch if they fail in their pursuit of Ben White. Kicker say Norwich City, Benfica and AC Milan are also keen on his signature. RB Leipzig were in the race for Koch back in January too but failed to get a deal over the line.
He’s made 87 appearances in all competitions for Freiburg since joining from 1.FC Kaiserslautern for £3.6m in 2017, scoring five goals with two assists.
Koch has made 32 Bundesliga appearances this season, giving away one foul every 100 minutes, winning 114/183 aerial duels, blocking 22 shots, making 93 clearances, averaging a tackle (34) or interception (45) every 34 minutes and being dribbled past once every 180 minutes.
It’s easy to see why clubs are interested.
How much will he cost?
In order to facilitate a move, Freiburg might have to lower their demands if suitors fail to match Koch’s valuation. As per Bild (h/t Bulinews), the German international was rated at €20m in January, but A Bola (h/t Sport Witness) say he may be available for €10m now.
Tottenham aren’t blessed with much of a transfer kitty, but they could afford Koch without issue. A Bola (h/t Leicestershire Live) say the centre-back may request £30k-per-week/£1.56m-a-year in wages, so he won’t break the bank.
Spurs should consider a move.
In other news, Tottenham have made an enquiry over a £50m replacement for Jan Vertonghen
Med: good option for spur