Leeds United Identify Tall ‘Ball-Winning Specialist’ as Prime Midfield Target
Leeds United Eyeing Bundesliga Enforcer Anton Stach to Strengthen Midfield Ahead of Premier League Return
Leeds United have reportedly set their sights on TSG Hoffenheim’s powerful central midfielder Anton Stach as they continue to build a squad capable of competing in the Premier League. According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, the towering 6’4” German international has emerged as one of the club’s main transfer targets this summer, with manager Daniel Farke keen to add steel and presence to his midfield unit.
Leeds Target Physical Midfield Presence in Stach
As the club gears up for its return to the top flight following a successful Championship campaign, attention has turned to recruiting players with physicality and top-level experience. Stach, a 26-year-old described as a “ball-winning specialist,” fits that profile perfectly. Known for his dominant aerial ability and aggressive tackling, he has already earned two senior caps for Germany and would represent a major statement of intent should Leeds manage to secure his signature.
Daniel Farke has reportedly made the signing of a physically imposing holding midfielder a key priority this summer. The club had previously been linked with West Ham United’s Tomas Soucek—another towering, combative presence in midfield—highlighting a clear shift toward adding more resilience and height to the core of the team.
Interest Growing Across Europe for Hoffenheim Midfielder
With Stach under contract at Hoffenheim until 2027, Leeds will face stiff competition for his services. Multiple clubs across Europe are said to be monitoring his situation, including Bundesliga rivals Eintracht Frankfurt. Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg has reported that the asking price for the midfielder could be in the region of €15–20 million—a fee that could prove a bargain if he delivers Premier League-level performances.
Leeds, therefore, may need to act swiftly and decisively if they hope to lure the midfielder away from the Rhein-Neckar-Arena before other clubs step up their own pursuit.
Who Is Anton Stach?
Stach’s journey to Bundesliga prominence is a testament to his perseverance and steady development. Beginning his career in the lower tiers of German football, he started with VfL Osnabrück II before joining SSV Jeddeloh in the fourth division. After further spells with VfL Wolfsburg II and Greuther Fürth—where he truly made a name for himself—Stach’s consistent performances earned him a move to Mainz 05. His progress at Mainz saw him break into the German national team setup, making his senior debut in 2022.
In 2023, he transferred to TSG Hoffenheim, where he continued to impress with his all-action style. Over two seasons, Stach racked up 74 appearances in all competitions, including valuable minutes in the UEFA Europa League, showcasing his ability to perform on the continental stage.
A commanding figure in the center of the pitch, Stach combines intelligence, tenacity, and technical ability. He won an impressive 331 duels during the most recent Bundesliga season—placing him among the top ten in the league—while also completing over 1,180 passes, underlining his composure and accuracy on the ball.
How Would Stach Fit into Farke’s Tactical Setup?
Farke is building a side that can not only survive but thrive in the Premier League, and a consistent theme in Leeds’ early transfer activity has been an emphasis on physical attributes—particularly height. All three of the club’s summer signings thus far—Felix Nmecha (6’0”), Jaka Bijol (6’3”), and Sebastiaan Bornauw (6’3”)—bring an added aerial presence and physical edge.
This marks a tactical evolution from the lightweight midfield Leeds often fielded in the Championship. Players like Joe Rothwell and Ao Tanaka, while technically gifted, lacked the kind of physicality needed to cope with the rigors of top-flight football. With possession expected to be harder to maintain in the Premier League, a player like Stach would provide crucial protection for the backline and allow the more creative players to flourish with greater freedom.
Should Leeds secure his services, Stach would likely anchor the midfield alongside a more progressive player such as Tanaka, offering a balanced partnership of grit and guile. Additionally, his height and strength make him an obvious asset at both ends of the pitch during set-piece situations—an area where Leeds will look to gain any advantage possible in their fight for survival and stability in the Premier League.
Final Thoughts
Anton Stach ticks all the boxes for what Leeds United appear to be seeking in a midfield reinforcement: experience, strength, defensive solidity, and leadership. Bringing him to Elland Road would not only bolster their chances of success next season but also signal to fans and rivals alike that Leeds are serious about competing at the highest level. With competition heating up for his signature, the Whites will need to make their move swiftly if they hope to beat out clubs across Europe for one of the Bundesliga’s most dependable midfield generals.