What £17m, 6ft 4in Anton Stach Brings to Leeds United

Leeds United have completed the signing of German midfielder Anton Stach from Hoffenheim for £17m, as Daniel Farke continues to reshape his squad ahead of the 2025-26 Premier League season.

The 26-year-old, capped twice by Germany, joins on a four-year contract and becomes Leeds’ sixth signing of the summer following the arrivals of Sebastiaan Bornauw, Jaka Bijol, Gabriel Gudmundsson, Lukas Nmecha, and Sean Longstaff.

“I am excited to join such a good Premier League team. My style of play is aggressive, I’m good in duels and in anticipating passes. That will help in this league,” said Stach.

The towering 6ft 4in midfielder played 71 times for Hoffenheim over two seasons, helping them avoid relegation from the Bundesliga last term. Hoffenheim’s sporting director Andreas Schicker hailed Stach as “an outstanding footballer and a great person who always put the team first.”

What Will Stach Add to Leeds United?

• Defensive Strength: Stach was among the Bundesliga’s most effective ball-winners over the past two seasons, registering 120 interceptions (most in the league) and winning possession 393 times (3rd highest).

• Aerial Dominance: At 6ft 4in, he provides a significant presence in both boxes. Leeds’ new-look spine now includes Bijol (6ft 3in) and Bornauw (6ft 3in), pointing to an emphasis on height and set-piece strength.

• Versatility: Stach can operate as a defensive midfielder or centre-back, having begun last season in defence before moving into midfield under Hoffenheim’s new coach Christian Ilzer.

• Bundesliga Experience: With two full Bundesliga campaigns, Stach brings much-needed top-flight experience to Elland Road.

Stach will reunite with compatriot Lukas Nmecha, having helped Germany win the 2021 European Under-21 Championship together.

🗨️ “The target is to stay in the league and adapt to the speed and intensity of the Premier League,” Stach added.

Leeds’ Transfer Focus: Bigger and Stronger

Farke has added significant height and physicality this summer, perhaps to avoid being outmuscled in the Premier League. Four of Leeds’ six new signings are 6ft 1in or taller, suggesting a clear tactical plan.

Set pieces could become a major weapon for the Yorkshire club as they aim to survive in the top flight after winning the Championship.