Leeds United are adding to Sean Longstaff’s acquisition with Anton Stach set to arrive as the club’s sixth summer signing.
Ethan Ampadu is club captain, while Ao Tanaka, Ilia Gruev, and Brenden Aaronson are all alternative midfield profiles Daniel Farke can turn to in terms of Leeds United’s midfield options.
Stach will bolster that area further after personal terms with Stach and Leeds, with Fabrizio Romano then confirming a £17.3 million plus add-ons fee for Stach has been agreed with TSG 1899 Hoffenheim.
The latest comes after Stach was left out of Hoffenheim’s matchday squad yesterday, meaning it’s clear the defensive midfielder is heading to Leeds this summer and it’s reported to be a four-year contract in place.
Leeds United supporters fear for Ilia Gruev following Anton Stach capture
Stach will be a ‘game changer’ and ceiling-raiser, and it should be a switch announced within days now. Hoffenheim’s Sporting Director claims a switch to Leeds is close.
However, it currently leaves Leeds with six first-team midfielders and with a more attack-minded midfielder to follow — and that is without including Darko Gyabi, Charlie Crew, or Sam Greenwood as options, too.
It could mean an exit is possible if one of the players knows that they are surplus to requirements or far down the pecking order for Farke. Leeds fans took to Twitter/X to speculate on the future of one player in particular.
During the pre-season clash with Man United, one fan wrote: “Don’t mean to take the p— but we’re all seeing Gruev’s limitations here, right? Stach, I need you more than I need air.”
Another added: “Wouldn’t be surprised to see Gruev leave this window.”
A further response read: “Probably spells the end of Gruev.”
The Bulgarian has started in 46 of his 60 games in all competitions for Leeds since his arrival from Werder Bremen, but his position in the squad is certainly unclear heading into the Premier League.
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Daniel Farke’s previous praise of Leeds midfielder Ilia Gruev
The Sofia-born enforcer moved to West Yorkshire in a £4 million deal from Bremen in 2023. He was a squad player at first, but his importance grew as the season went on. Farke confirmed as much in October 2023 prior to facing Stoke.
He said: “I have to say, I’m really happy with Ilia. He has done fantastic.
“He came really late with little pre-season — really humble guy. I was tempted, because he is training at a top level, to unleash him beforehand.
“But there are others playing well in his position. Let’s be honest, Ethan, Archie [Gray], Glen [Kamara] have been superb. My gut feeling is he will play an important role for us.”
He certainly did at times, but whether Gruev has the suitability to play in the English top flight remains an unanswered question, but one most Leeds supporters are clear on.
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