LEEDS defender Robin Koch is BANNED from playing in the Championship next season, according to reports.
The German centre-back, 26, has a clause in his contract that allows him to leave Elland Road on a free this summer following their relegation to the second tier.
But if that isn’t enough to ensure his exit, Bild understands his deal also contains a stipulation that he is not allowed to play in the Championship.
Koch joined Leeds from Freiburg after their promotion to the Premier League in 2020.
He has made 77 appearances for the Yorkshire side, helping them to a ninth-place finish in their first season back in the top flight.
Manager Marcelo Bielsa, who guided Leeds to promotion, was sacked during the 2021/22 campaign, before they narrowly avoided relegation under Jesse Marsch.
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But Sam Allardyce failed to achieve the same 12 months later as just one point from their last four games saw them drop into the bottom three and fail to climb to safety.
And they are now managerless as they prepare for life back in the Championship.
Former Norwich boss Daniel Farke and West Brom head coach Carlos Corberan have both been linked with the vacant position.
After the shortest managerial stint in Premier League history came to an end, Allardyce said: “It has been an honour to manage Leeds United, a great club with an incredible fan base, who deserve to be in the Premier League.
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“I have really enjoyed working with the staff and players at the club and I would like to thank Angus Kinnear for the opportunity.
“I’d also like to highlight the outstanding work of Karl Robinson and Robbie Keane who have worked tirelessly over the past few weeks.
“At this stage in my career I am not sure taking on this challenge, which is potentially a long-term project, is something I could commit to, but I wish the club every success for the future and hope the club returns to the Premier League, where they belong.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
