Leeds United are closing in on their sixth summer signing, and their fifth defensive-minded addition of the transfer window in the form of Anton Stach.
TSG 1899 Hoffenheim midfielder Anton Stach can be utilised as a defensive midfielder, central midfielder, or at centre-back. He will become the second midfielder in a week to join Leeds United after Sean Longstaff.
Stach will bolster that area further after it was confirmed personal terms with Stach and Leeds are in place, with Fabrizio Romano then confirming a £17.3 million plus add-ons fee for Stach from Leeds.
Besiktas and Ole Gunnar-Solskjaer were also keen but Leeds have won the race, despite other late interest emerging from the Bundesliga, but VfB Stuttgart won’t sign Stach.
Anton Stach set for medical with Mateo Joseph yet to return to Leeds
Leeds weren’t happy with the public nature of the Stach deal, given how early on in negotiations that he became a known target. Patience was required but they are closing in.
Of course, another addition means another portion of the budget is gone. That means Leeds know they need sales for cash flow but also for PSR, but no permanent exits for a fee have been forthcoming since Rasmus Kristensen’s switch to Eintracht Frankfurt.
Either way, the 26-year-old midfielder should be worth the money Leeds are parting ways with, as Stach should be a ‘game changer’ and ceiling-raiser for Leeds.
However, Mateo Joseph’s sale can help Leeds’ PSR situation immeasurably. Graham Smyth has provided the latest on both his situation and that of the giant German international as well.
Graham Smyth of The Yorkshire Evening Post says: “Anton Stach’s move from Hoffenheim to Leeds United now in the final stages. Medical etc ongoing. Brenden Aaronson due to join squad tomorrow. Mateo Joseph not here yet.”
- READ MORE: Leeds United fans agree Anton Stach arrival ‘spells the end’ for player Daniel Farke thinks is ‘fantastic’
Mateo Joseph’s Leeds situation explained
It’s been stated previously that Leeds and Joseph have a sale agreement if a £10 million offer arrives. Real Betis have been strongly linked, but the side featuring Junior Firpo, Marc Roca, Diego Llorente and co. are yet to provide the fee.
In recent weeks, Leeds United News exclusively revealed that Joseph is keen on a return to Spain, despite other reports stating Leeds are intent on keeping Joseph over the last week.
Then, speaking after the first pre-season friendly of the summer, Daniel Farke explained Joseph had chosen not to be involved despite Willy Gnonto starting after returning from international duty early to face Man United.
But interest continues to mount in the 21-year-old Spanish striker. It’s since been claimed that Celta Vigo have also joined the Joseph race.
Leeds have a major decision to make in the coming weeks, but it’s fair to speculate that a late arrival back to the squad perhaps points to Joseph’s intentions being away from Elland Road this summer.
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