Leeds United have reached an agreement in principle to sign Hoffenheim midfielder Anton Stach, according to reports from Sky Sports Germany. The 25-year-old German international is expected to strengthen Leeds’ midfield ahead of their return to the Premier League in the 2025/26 season.
What Anton Stach Would Bring To Leeds United
Stach is widely recognised in the Bundesliga for his defensive qualities and ball carrying ability. Standing at 6’3”, he is a commanding midfield presence who combines strong defensive skills with the ability to carry the ball forward and initiate attacks.
In the 2024/25 season, according to WhoScored, Stach averaged 2.1 tackles, 1.3 interceptions, and 1.4 key passes per game — a clear reflection of his balanced contribution both defensively and offensively.
Key Attributes:
Defensive Strength: Stach ranks highly for defensive actions and duels won in the Bundesliga, excelling in tackles and interceptions. His ability to break up play and protect the backline would provide Leeds with much-needed midfield stability (WhoScored).
Aerial Dominance: At 6’3”, he consistently wins aerial duels, making him effective in both defending set-pieces and posing a threat during offensive dead-ball situations.
Ball Progression: Stach is noted for his long strides and ability to carry the ball into attacking areas. His passing range allows him to break lines with accurate long balls or smart short combinations.
Composure: Under pressure, Stach maintains possession effectively and makes smart, safe decisions to retain control of the midfield.
How He Fits Into Daniel Farke’s System
Daniel Farke’s preferred 4-2-3-1 setup would benefit greatly from Stach’s profile. He would likely partner someone like Sean Longstaff or Ethan Ampadu at the base of midfield, giving Leeds:
- A defensive shield in front of the back four.
- An aerially dominant presence against Premier League midfields.
- A progressive outlet to help transition from defence to attack.
In possession, Stach’s ability to distribute quickly and carry the ball would allow Leeds to build attacks more confidently, while out of possession, his defensive instincts would help protect Leeds against transitions — a key weakness in their last Premier League stint.
A midfield double pivot of Stach and Longstaff would free up more creative players such as Jack Harrison or Dan James to push higher up the pitch without leaving the team exposed.
A Smart Move For Leeds’ Top-Flight Return
Stach’s signing would represent a significant upgrade in physicality, experience, and tactical intelligence for Leeds as they prepare for life back in the Premier League. His proven Bundesliga pedigree and well-rounded midfield skillset fit exactly what Daniel Farke requires to stabilise and evolve his side.
With an agreement reportedly in place, Leeds fans can be optimistic that Stach’s qualities will add much-needed resilience and progression to their midfield in 2025/26.
