The latest name to be linked with a move to Leeds United is Hoffenheim midfielder Anton Stach, and LeedsUnited.News has learned over an advantage The Whites boast over other Premier League clubs.
With Lukas Nmecha and Jaka Bijol through the door, Leeds are set to announce the signing of Sebastiaan Bornauw in the next day or two. The Belgium international completed a medical at Leeds on Monday.
Interestingly, all three signings are 6ft or more and are aged 26. It makes sense then that Hoffenheim star Anton Stach is a player Leeds like, with 26-year-old midfielder Stach now added to the Elland Road list.
Unlike Nmecha, Bijol or Bornauw, Stach is not out of contract or in the final year of his deal at Hoffenheim with his contract ending in June 2027. But Leeds still have an advantage over other Premier League sides.
Anton Stach in action for Hoffenheim vs VfL Wolfsburg
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Red Bull connection aids Leeds United in Anton Stach race
Transfer expert Graeme Bailey has told LeedsUnited.News that Leeds boast an advantage in the race for Stach over other Premier League clubs, and it is thanks to the club’s Red Bull involvement at board level.
Indeed, Red Bull are well-placed when it comes to German football – owning one of the biggest clubs in the Bundesliga in RB Leipzig while Jurgen Klopp is at the helm, as Red Bull’s head of football operations.
Bailey told LeedsUnited.News that if there is a German player available, Leeds are across it more so than their Premier League rivals and that is the case when it comes to two-time Germany midfielder Stach.
The Premier League emblem.
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“He’s on the list I’m told. Hoffenheim are not keen for him to go. Leeds aren’t the only ones interested from what I’m told. A very good player and obviously through Red Bull, Leeds are well-versed on him.
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“They’re ahead of many other Premier League teams when it comes to German-based talent. So, it’s not a surprise, you know, it’s not going to be a huge surprise. If there’s a good one, Leeds know all about it.”
Anton Stach - German midfielder for Hoffenheim
Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images
Which other midfielders have Leeds been linked with?
The news regarding Stach comes after it was confirmed Leeds had missed out on Habib Diarra to fellow newly-promoted side Sunderland. The Black Cats were willing to pay £35m, Leeds only mustered £23.9m.
Following Diarra’s move to Sunderland instead of Leeds, reports said Underwood likes the look of Noah Sadiki and Sean Longstaff. Leeds are said to have made a £12m bid for Sadiki, which has been rejected.
Now, Stach is a consideration for Leeds. Smyth’s initial report of interest in Stach makes it clear that while Leeds are interested, they are willing to play the long game and do a deal on their terms, not Hoffenheim.