Leeds United are chasing TSG Hoffenheim’s Anton Stach, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post, with the tough-tackling 6’4” midfielder identified as a prime summer target. The 26-year-old “ball-winning specialist” has two international caps for Germany, and would be a statement signing as Leeds look to prepare for their return to the Premier League.
Leeds United Identify “Ball-Winning Giant” Anton Stach as Prime Midfield Target
What Do We Know So Far?
According to the YEP, Stach has been identified as a “prime candidate” as Daniel Farke looks to bolster his midfield. A ball-winning midfielder has been on the club’s shopping list this summer, with early interest in West Ham’s Tomas Soucek highlighting Leeds’ desire for a midfielder who would combine physical and aerial dominance with the ability to read the game.
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German international Stach has two years left on his contract and is believed to have a number of potential suitors this summer, so the Whites will need to move quickly to fight off competition. According to Sky’s Florian Plettenberg, Eintracht Frankfurt are one of several clubs interested in Stach this summer, whose asking price has reportedly been set around€15-20 million.
Who is Anton Stach?
The midfielder started his career with German fifth-tier side VFL Osnabrück II, before moving up a league to SSV Jeddeloh, with both teams based in his home region of Lower Saxony. A spell with VFL Wolfsburg’s second team followed before the 26-year-old enjoyed a breakout season with 2. Bundesliga side Greuther Furth, where his form earned the interest of top-flight Mainz.
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After four seasons at Mainz, during which Stach earned a first call-up to the Germany senior setup, he joined TSG Hoffenheim in the summer of 2023. The dominant midfielder has made 74 appearances across two seasons with the Bundesliga outfit, including featuring in last season’s Europa League.
The German is a commanding presence in midfield, with his height and physicality making him highly effective in duels, and his ball-winning capabilities make him a very attractive addition to Daniel Farke’s side. The 26-year-old won 331 duels last season, the tenth-most in the Bundesliga, and completed 1,186 passes, highlighting his all-round capability in the middle of the park.
Where Would Stach Fit Into Daniel Farke’s System?
Leeds’ three new signings this summer so far have one common denominator: height. Versatile forward Felix Nmecha is 6’, centre-half Jaka Bijol is 6’3”, and Belgian defender Sebastiaan Bournow also stands at 6’3”, so the club are looking to add significantly more height to the squad as they prepare to compete in the Premier League.
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In the Championship, the Whites were able to dominate possession without relying on too much defensive cover in midfield, utilising the rather lightweight pairing of Joe Rothwell and Ao Tanaka at times to create moves from deep and unlock defences. However, possession is likely to come at a premium in the top flight, and a midfielder of Stach’s profile would provide the required steel to prevent Farke’s side from being overrun.
It is therefore likely that the German giant would be paired alongside a more creative midfielder such as Tanaka to bring more defensive stability to the side. The Hoffenheim man’s vast stature also makes him a significant threat from set pieces, which is an area that Leeds are hoping to target next season.