'A big dream' - Leeds United complete signing of €13m SC Frieburg defender Robin Koch

Hours after the Whites unveiled record signing Rodrigo, they confirmed the capture of twice-capped Germany defender Koch, for an undisclosed fee believed to be in the region of €13m.

The 24-year-old, a former FC Kaiserslautern team-mate of Whites midfielder Mateusz Klich, has signed a four-year deal at Elland Road after flying into Yeadon this morning and completing a medical in the city this afternoon. He arrived at the stadium this evening to complete the paperwork and speak to the press about what he calls 'the best step' for his career and a chance to learn under Marcelo Bielsa.

"I'm just very happy, everything is clear now," he said this evening at Elland Road.

"It's one of the biggest leagues in the world. Wherever you go on holiday everyone knows the Premier League. Now to play with Leeds in the Premier League is a big dream.

"I think this is the best step for me under Bielsa in Leeds."

He fills the gap left by 2019/20 loan signing Ben White, who Leeds tried to sign with a number of big money summer bids, before being told Brighton and Hove Albion would not do business with a club they see as a direct rival in the Premier League.

Attention quickly turned to Koch, a player Victor Orta has long admired.

He began his career SV Eintracht Trier, before moving to hometown club FC Kaiserslautern, with whom he also spent time during his youth career.

An impressive 2016/17 career led to a move to top-flight SC Freiburg and three seasons on he leaves having made 87 appearances in all competitions, contributing five goals.

After earning Under 21 caps for his nation and reaching the European Championship final, Koch was called up for the senior side last October and faced Argentina. His second cap followed a month later against Belarus.

Koch will fly out to join up with the Germany squad tomorrow and is in contention for appearances against Spain, and new team-mate Rodrigo, and then Switzerland.