Leeds United are looking to bolster their midfield ranks with the signing of TSG 1899 Hoffenheim midfielder Anton Stach.
The 6’4″ ace can be deployed in a number of roles in defensive midfield, central midfield, and even at centre-back. His quality, sheer power, and versatility are of interest to Leeds United.
Stach is a ‘prime candidate’ target of Leeds following our initial suggestion that Leeds should be eyeing a deal for Stach this summer.
Leeds are pushing to sign Stach and Gabriel Gudmundsson and they would be ceiling-raisers in their respective positions, which is why Leeds fans are moved at the Stach links so far.
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Leeds target Anton Stach spotted in Hoffenheim training
Stach is “considering” a switch to Leeds amid reported interest from other Premier League clubs in Stach this summer, as well as Bundesliga sides.
The Hoffenheim midfielder will cost Leeds a maximum of £17 million if they are to acquire his services, per some earlier reports in the campaign.
However, with other moves progressing behind the scenes at Elland Road, it appears as though nothing is particularly imminent regarding the 26-year-old German international.
That’s because the above (fourth image) shows him training with Hoffenheim’s first-team squad on Sunday, with talks ongoing behind the scenes.
The midfielder is also seen signing autographs and conversing with fans in other video content, which may concern some Leeds fans at the speed at which they are attempting to get a deal done.
Anton Stach’s incredible defensive statistics
A giant and powerful midfielder, Stach is a great profile for Leeds to add, and with Leeds supporters convinced Stach will be a success over Habib Diarra or Noah Sadiki.
Leeds need physicality in various guises, but Stach’s ability to put his body on the line in front of the back four is also complemented by other technical attributes within his skill-set.
Per FBref, he still ranks well for progressive passes against positional peers in the men’s ‘Big Five’ leagues, UEFA Champions League, and UEFA Europa League over the last 365 days. Based on 3103 minutes played.
With 5.22 per game, he is in the top 36% of midfielders. However, his defensive numbers are staggering. Stach is in the top 43% for tackles won, top 15% for blocks, top 12% for aerials won, top 7% for interceptions, and the top 1% for clearances.
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