Hoffenheim's Anton Stach. (REUTERS/Heiko Becker)
Leeds United are back in the Premier League, and manager Daniel Farke will be determined to avoid the fate that befell last season’s promoted trio.
All three—Ipswich Town, Leicester City, and Southampton—were relegated straight back to the Championship after underwhelming campaigns. Much of their downfall was blamed on a lack of Premier League-ready talent and tactical naivety. Each side persisted with fluid, possession-based styles that were ruthlessly punished by stronger opposition.
If Leeds are to survive, Farke must refine his high-intensity, attack-minded philosophy—the same approach that secured promotion—and, crucially, reinforce his squad with players suited to top-flight football.
He’s already made a strong start. Slovenian international Jaka Bijol has arrived in a £15 million move from Udinese, while German striker Lukas Nmecha joins on a free transfer from Wolfsburg.
Now, Leeds are pursuing another important target: Anton Stach.
Leeds Step Up Interest in Hoffenheim Midfielder
According to transfer expert Florian Plettenberg, Leeds United “have made contact to sign Anton Stach” from Bundesliga side TSG Hoffenheim.
Plettenberg clarified there is currently “no official offer” submitted to the German club, but added that a “deal is possible.” Stach, 26, is under contract with Hoffenheim until 2027.
Adding weight to the rumor, a separate report from Kicker in Germany claims Stach is “considering” a move to Elland Road “because of TSG’s underwhelming preseason.”
A defensive midfielder capped twice by Germany, Stach made 39 appearances across all competitions for Hoffenheim last season, scoring twice and providing two assists.
For English fans, there’s one memorable highlight: he found the net in a 3–2 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League. While perhaps not the most relevant stat, it’s a promising sign that he can make an impact against Premier League opposition.
Although, in the immortal—and now ironic—words of Sir Alex Ferguson: “It’s just Tottenham…”
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