Leeds United are fast approaching their opening pre-season game against Man United.
So far, four new faces could take the stage in the opening game in Stockholm, but fans might have expected more by now.
The game presents a chance for Leeds fans to get a real first look at their new arrivals and how they fit into Daniel Farke’s regime.
Whilst this is going on, the hope should be that the 49ers are getting to work, especially with the ability to spend more than £150m this window.
A signing that has looked nailed on is still not making developments, but now is the time for the owners to strike.
Anton Stach in action for Hoffenheim vs Wolfsburg.
Photo by Simon Hofmann/Getty Images
Hoffenheim green light Anton Stach’s move to Leeds United
The main midfield target was seen to be Sean Longstaff as the Newcastle United star’s arrival was expected.
However, after a third bid of £12m was rejected for the 27-year-old, Leeds threatened to walk away from Longstaff.
The transfer is still on the cards to happen, but things now seem to be progressing for Hoffenheim midfielder Anton Stach.
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It was said that Stach and Longstaff could both be signed, but Leeds have gone quiet with Stach, despite him clearly adding serious improvement to Farke’s midfield from his time in the Bundesliga.
However, a report from the Sunday Mirror (13 July, page 76) suggests Leeds will have to pay £17.25 million if they want Stach in their midfield, which is a shock after Hoffenheim wanted Leeds to ‘dig deep’ with a fee.
The Bundesliga side were reluctant to sell Stach, but it’s now clear that Hoffenheim want him sold this summer, and that fee doesn’t appear to be changing.
READ MORE: Agreement has finally been reached for £19m target but it’s not with Leeds United
Stach provides a midfielder-type that Leeds are missing
A midfielder is clearly needed at Elland Road, with a lack of options currently in the squad.
Ao Tanaka, Ilia Gruev, and Ethan Ampadu remain the only stars who can fill the middle of the park, so it’s obvious why both Longstaff and Stach are needed, as the German’s ‘underrated’ presence can shine through.
🇩🇪 In the Bundesliga no midfielder averages more possession-adjusted interceptions (9.07 per 90) than Anton Stach.
For me he is a very underrated player in Europe’s top five leagues.
✍️ For @AnfieldIndex I wrote about why he could be a good fit for #LFC under Arne Slot.
🔗:… pic.twitter.com/0yw9kU9C8U
— Bence Bocsák (@BenBocsak) May 10, 2024
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But Longstaff’s arrival shouldn’t be prioritised over Stach, as that appears to be what Leeds lack out of these options, as his defensive efforts could be key for Farke.
Anton Stach for Hoffenheim in the 24/25 Bundesliga season
Games played 30
Accurate long balls 77
Successful passes per 90 43.6
Tackles won % 69.7%
Duels won 168
Although Ampadu provides similar exploits, Stach’s overall stature will be needed in the Premier League, and Leeds fans are ‘moved’ by Stach’s presence.
Every good team seems to have a tall, physical midfielder who excels with passing but is also a brute with tackling.
With Man City, it’s Rodri, Ryan Gravenberch excelled in this role for Liverpool last season, Declan Rice at Arsenal, and now Stach can be the game changer for Leeds.