Leeds United will likely face competition to sign Hoffenheim star Anton Stach this summer, according to German outlet Kicker. It is understood Stach is on the Whites' transfer shortlist as Daniel Farke looks to strengthen his midfield options ahead of the 2025/26 season.
The Kicker report states Stach is considering leaving the Bundesliga club in the coming weeks. The 26-year-old has been linked with a move to Eintracht Frankfurt. No concrete talks are thought to have taken place regarding Stach's permanent exit.
But it seems increasingly likely that Stach will leave Hoffenheim, with sporting director Andreas Schicker under pressure to reduce the size of their squad. Stach is viewed as one of the few players on their books who would command a substantial transfer fee. Hoffenheim, who only narrowly avoided relegation last season, currently have 39 players in their squad.
“It was clear from the start that these are things that don’t happen in June, but now things are slowly starting to move,” Schicker told Kicker. “[Our squad is comprised of] one-third TSG faces, one-third academy, and one-third top talent. We need to establish a clear hierarchy within the team.“
Standing at 6ft 4ins tall, Stach has made 122 Bundesliga appearances in his career, scoring five goals and providing 16 assists. The German international can play in a number of different positions, including defensive midfield, number eight and centre-back. His combative style of play and ability to win the ball back could complement the likes of Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka in the midfield engine room.
The Whites have made three summer signings so far, bringing in Lukas Nmecha, Jaka Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw. Lille left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson is also in advanced talks over a move to Elland Road.
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