This summer, the goal at Leeds United has been clear from the get-go – inject added quality into key areas of Daniel Farke’s squad for the 2026/27 campaign.
The German deserves the opportunity to take the club to the next level this summer, after steering the Whites away from any threat of relegation back to the Championship last season.
He’s already been backed by the 49ers this window, with Tarik Muharemovic and James Trafford arriving for a combined £79m – subsequently bolstering the defensive department.
Despite the influx of additions at Elland Road this window, one player who was on the books last term will undoubtedly be key to any success achieved in the Premier League.
Why Anton Stach is becoming Leeds’ most important player
Last summer, Leeds had to spend money wisely to build a squad capable of fending off relegation – with Anton Stach one of the first additions made by Farke.
The German midfielder arrived from Hoffenheim for a reported £18m and quickly showcased his talents to the supporters, which has seen him become a fan-favourite.
He featured in 29 games in England’s top-flight, registering eight combined goals and assists – with most of his efforts coming in spectacular fashion from long range.
The 27-year-old was one of the Whites’ most influential assets in forward areas, as reflected by his tally of 2.4 chances created – the highest of any player in Farke’s squad.
|
Anton Stach – PL stats (2025/26) |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics (per 90) |
Tally |
|
Games played |
29 |
|
Goals & assists |
8 |
|
Shots taken |
2.1 |
|
Aerials won |
62% |
|
Defensive contributions |
10.1 |
|
Chances created |
2.4 |
|
Duels won |
5.9 |
|
Tackles made |
2.5 |
However, even without the ball, Stach showcased his importance to the side, as he won the most aerial duels of any midfielder and also made the most tackles per 90.
His box-to-box nature saw him become the perfect partner for captain Ethan Ampadu at Elland Road, which saw the duo feature alongside one another in the manager’s switch to a 3-5-2.
For £18m, you will do well to find a better value-for-money addition in England’s top-flight, with the supporters hoping Stach can even reach the next level during the upcoming season.
Why Leeds fourth summer signing has shades of Stach
Despite the impressive work already conducted in the transfer market, Leeds are still on the hunt for players who can bring serious quality to Farke’s side next term.
Igor Paixao has once again appeared on the club’s shortlist, but the Marseille star could cost as much as £35m if he is to complete a move to Yorkshire in the weeks ahead.
He’s not the only player currently on the club’s radar, with Real Betis midfielder Nelson Deossa another name which has been spoken about in recent weeks.
It’s been reported by Diario de Sevilla in Spain that Leeds had representatives watching the Colombian star during his recent outing against Arsenal in Dublin.
They also claim the Whites were impressed with the 26-year-old’s display, but the deal could be trickier to complete after his showing – with the Spanish side now determined to keep him.
Whilst it’s unclear how much of a chance Leeds have to secure the midfielder’s signature, it’s safe to say he would certainly add proven quality to the heart of Farke’s side.
His stats from last campaign in LaLiga showcase his quality in various areas and could see him emulate Stach’s remarkable first year at Elland Road.
Deossa managed to achieve an impressive 78% dribble success rate in Spain’s top-flight last term, whilst also creating 1.2 chances per 90 for his teammates.
Both of the aforementioned figures highlight his talent with the ball at his feet – similar to that of Stach, who often set the tempo for Farke’s men throughout 2025/26.
The Betis star was also able to dominate without the ball last term, as seen by his 71% aerial won success rate – a figure which was actually higher than the German star.
Such a figure also ranked him in the top 4% of players in Europe’s top-five leagues, which could see the Whites boss land yet another aerially dominant option.
The Colombian certainly wasn’t shy in putting himself about, as he won 1.7 tackles per 90 and came out on top of 60% of the ground duels he entered in Spain’s top-flight.
His similarity to Stach continues into his ball-striking ability, as Deossa netted a wonder strike during the 3-1 victory over Arsenal – a game at which Leeds representatives were present.
Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for the Betis star would cost this summer, it’s evident he has all the tools needed to emulate Stach’s success in Yorkshire.
Both players are hugely talented options, and there’s no reason why they can’t star alongside one another in 2026/27 and lead Farke’s side to a season to remember.
