This week feels like Leeds United and Adam Underwood are going to do more than just dip their toes into the transfer market, with Gabriel Gudmundsson expected to be the first of two or three additions.
A £10m deal to sign Lille’s Sweden left-back Gudmundsson is in place, and an announcement is imminent for the defender, who has signed a four-year deal. Gudmundsson is a direct replacement for Junior Firpo.
Gudmundsson signs after deals for Lukas Nmecha, Jaka Bijol, and Sebastian Bornauw. Adam Underwood has sorted out Leeds’ defence, with Firpo leaving and Max Wober leaving the club for Werder Bremen.
But Leeds are not finished there. Leeds are signing Louis Enohoro-Marcus and Jayden Lienou to bolster the club’s U21 side. Sean Longstaff has agreed personal terms, with Leeds tabling a third bid worth £12m.
Gabriel Gudmundsson in action for Lille.
Photo by Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images
Leeds open talks to sign Hoffenheim giant Anton Stach
Another player that could end up signing for Leeds in the next few days is Germany international Anton Stach. The Hoffenheim star, standing at a lofty 6ft 4in, was a rare shining light in a poor 2024-25 season.
Leeds have been strongly linked with Stach in the last week, with a fee between £13m and £17m required to land the German. Stach is said to be ‘considering’ a potential move with Hoffenheim, frustrating him.
TSG Hoffenheim midfielder Anton Stach
Photo by Simon Hofmann/Getty Images
Despite a move for Longstaff, Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg reports that Leeds have now opened talks to sign Stach this summer. No bid has been made but Plettenberg says a deal for Stach is “possible”.
He posted on X: “Leeds have made contact to sign Anton Stach. There is no official offer yet to TSG Hoffenheim. The 26-year-old central midfielder is under contract there until 2027. A deal is possible.”
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
🚨🔵🟡 Leeds have made contact to sign Anton #Stach.
There is no official offer yet to TSG Hoffenheim. The 26-year-old central midfielder is under contract there until 2027. A deal is possible. #LUFC@SkySportDE 🇩🇪 pic.twitter.com/oJg91QARiS
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) July 7, 2025
View Tweet
If Leeds sign Stach and Longstaff, who misses out under Farke?
Stach and Longstaff would be two wonderful midfield additions going into the 2025-26 Premier League season. But with Leeds boasting three senior midfielders, what does it mean for the current options?
Well, Ethan Ampadu is the club’s captain, and while his place in the starting XI may be under threat, he will not be leaving. Neither will Ao Tanaka, who is a fan favourite and is expected to shine in the top tier.
Sean Longstaff in action for Newcastle United against Wolves.
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
But for Ilia Gruev, things look bleak. If Leeds sign both Longstaff and Stach, Gruev will be relegated to fifth choice at Elland Road. Gruev recently said it is key for Bulgaria’s stars to be playing regularly at club level.
Almost throwing his future into doubt at Leeds. Even if Leeds sign one of Longstaff or Stach, it reduces Gruev to fourth choice, who has been described by Barcelona manager Hansi Flick as “high quality”.