After securing promotion back to the Premier League ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, it was crucial that the hierarchy backed Daniel Farke with reinforcements in the transfer market.
German midfielder Anton Stach arrived from Hoffenheim for a reported £17m, with such a deal now appearing to be an absolute bargain for the Whites.
The 27-year-old registered five goals and three assists in his 29 top-flight outings – undoubtedly playing a key role in helping the club fend off any relegation threat.
His role as a box-to-box option at the heart of Farke’s side has become increasingly important in recent months after the manager’s decision to change to a 3-4-2-1 system.
However, Stach will now be joined by another top-level talent at Elland Road in 2026/27 and one who can easily take the club up a level in England’s top-flight.
Where Wilson would operate best for Leeds in 2026/27
Every single Leeds fan would have been relieved on Wednesday night after the free transfer of Harry Wilson was finally announced after weeks of speculation.
The Welsh international has penned a four-year deal in Yorkshire and has no doubt become one of the club’s highest earners after his subsequent transfer.
However, there’s no denying the deal is a phenomenal one for Farke’s side, as the 29-year-old ended the last Premier League season on 10 goals and seven assists.
Wilson largely operated off the right-hand side of a three-man attack in Fulham’s 4-2-3-1 system, but where would he best fit in Farke’s 3-4-2-1 formation at Elland Road?
|
Harry Wilson – PL stats (2025/26) |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics (per 90) |
Tally |
|
Games played |
36 |
|
Goals & assists |
17 |
|
Passes completed |
81% |
|
Chances created |
1.3 |
|
Dribbles completed |
54% |
|
Shot on target accuracy |
36% |
|
Cross accuracy |
26% |
|
Shots taken |
2.6 |
He’s undoubtedly best suited to the right-hand role of the two attacking options behind the centre-forward, which would hand him the freedom to create carnage within forward areas.
The Welshman demonstrated last term that he loves to cut inside off the right onto his favoured left foot – something which the aforementioned position would allow him to carry over to Yorkshire.
However, the free role behind the striker would also allow the player to take his assist tally to the next level and register more than his 1.3 chances created per 90 last term.
Wilson’s move is a huge statement of intent from the Leeds hierarchy this summer and one which highlights their ambition to reach the next level in 2026/27.
Leeds could sign their next Stach after Wilson
Upon his move to Yorkshire, Wilson will have the opportunity to form a partnership with Stach, which could help Farke’s side edge closer to a European push next term.
However, added reinforcements are no doubt expected during the remainder of the summer window, with various areas of the pitch set to be bolstered by the hierarchy.
Another version of midfielder Stach could well be on the cards this summer, as Parma star Mandela Keita has once again emerged on the Whites’ transfer shortlist.
It’s been reported by Parma Live via Sport Witness that Leeds have already made approaches to the Serie A outfit over the possibility of a deal for the Belgian talent.
No bid has yet been made for the 24-year-old’s services, but his current employers have whacked a €30m (£25m) asking price on his head to fend off any transfer interest.
Whilst such a deal may appear to be an expensive one for Farke’s men, it would be a repeat of a move for Stach – a move which has undoubtedly been a huge hit with the supporters.
Keita would emulate the German in moving to England from another top-five league, but it’s his underlying stats which highlight why he’d be similar to the current Whites star.
During his 37 appearances in Italy’s top-flight last term, the Belgian completed 89% of the passes he attempted whilst achieving a 74% long-ball accuracy rate.
The latter of the aforementioned figures ranks him in the top 5% of all players in Europe’s top-five leagues – while also demonstrating his similarity to Stach in starring with the ball at his feet.
Without the ball, Keita also managed to catch the eye in 2025/26, subsequently coming out on top of 62% of his ground duels – also placing him in the top 3% of midfielders in Europe.
His tally of 2.3 tackles and 1.3 interceptions made per 90 also highlights his similarity to Stach – who matched such numbers during the Premier League last term.
Whilst it’s unclear if Leeds are set to submit an offer for the Parma star at present, it’s evident he’s a player who would provide serious quality to the heart of Farke’s side.
Should he get anywhere near the levels of Stach upon any move to Elland Road, it would be a deal which would hand the club the talent needed to reach the next level in 2025/26.





