Anton Stach is a key target for Leeds United currently, with the German midfielder in the final two years of his contract at TSG 1899 Hoffenheim.
Spotted in Hoffenheim training recently, Stach is a 6’4″ German international and has emerged as a key component to Daniel Farke’s Leeds United midfield in the Premier League.
We suggested Leeds should be eyeing a deal for Stach this summer, mere days prior to the news that Stach is a ‘prime candidate’ for Leeds and bolstering their midfield.
Leeds fans are moved by the links to Stach and are desperate to secure his services alongside Lukas Nmecha, Jaka Bijol, and Sebastiaan Bornauw to add further size, height, and power to the team.
Hoffenheim midfielder Anton Stach
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Brighton midfielder of interest to Hoffenheim — Leeds could benefit via Anton Stach
Stach will cost Leeds a maximum of £17 million if they are to acquire his services, per some of the earlier reports in the campaign.
They aren’t the only club in the race, with details emerging that there is interest from other Premier League clubs in Stach this summer, as well as Bundesliga outfits after Hoffenheim finished 15th last season in the Bundesliga.
Stach is “considering” a switch to Leeds but his decision could be made easier if Hoffenheim acquire signings of their own this summer, which recent reports suggest they are in the process of doing.
🚨 EXC: Hoffenheim are keen to sign Brighton midfielder Malick Yalcouye on loan. The German side are preparing an offer.
Brighton are yet to decide whether Yalcouye will spend another campaign out on loan or be integrated into their first team. #BHAFChttps://t.co/Lyvp8LMVEX
— Charlie Parker-Turner (@CParkerTurner) July 7, 2025
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Charlie Parker-Turner of the Daily Express reports that Hoffenheim are keen to sign Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Malick Yalcouye on loan. The German side are said to be preparing an offer.
Should a move materialise for more competition in midfield, Stach may feel replaced before he’s even headed for the exit. Yalcouye may only be 19, but he had a productive spell on loan with Austrian side Sturm Graz last season.
Georginio Rutter is a teammate of Yalcouye and he would love nothing more than for Leeds to benefit from transfer business, given his affection for the club.
Brighton & Hove Albion FC v Chelsea FC - Premier League
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How Georginio Rutter has fared since leaving Leeds
With Leeds supporters convinced Stach will be a success over Habib Diarra or Noah Sadiki, they will be desperate to get this one over the line and Rutter’s side could be the ones to do it.
The truth is, Leeds have not replaced Rutter or Pablo Hernandez since their departures, with very few players possessing the genius and invention they had around the box.
Team Season Appearances Goals Assists
Leeds United 2022/23 (Premier League) 13 0 1
Leeds United 2023/24 (Championship) 51 8 16
Leeds United 2024/25 (Championship) 2 0 1
Brighton & Hove Albion 2024/25 (Premier League) 32 8 4
Georginio Rutter’s career stats in England (all comps)
His output has shot up season on season since arriving in England from Hoffenheim. Rutter is one of the most dynamic attackers in the Premier League and his versatility allows him to be deployed in multiple roles, too.
Leeds fans will hope that he plays poorly against them, though, and against another former Hoffenheim player in Stach if they can secure a deal in the coming week or so ahead of the competition.