Leeds United’s transfer approach this summer has been totally different to the work conducted 12 months ago, as the Whites once again look to push on in the Premier League.
Daniel Farke’s side were forced to make shrewd and value-for-money signings last summer, as the club attempted to avoid an immediate return back to the Championship.
However, this summer, the manager has been able to invest key funds into crucial areas of the squad and inject added quality to the settled starting eleven.
Despite the cheaper additions being made 12 months ago, the recruitment team managed to find multiple gems, with the deal for one current star looking to be a huge bargain.
As part of the efforts to beat the drop last summer, Leeds managed to complete the £18m signing of midfielder Anton Stach from Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim.
The German star was an unknown quantity to many fans at Elland Road, but it’s safe to say the 27-year-old has already made himself a fan-favourite in his first year in Yorkshire.
He’s established himself as a regular starter at the heart of Farke’s squad, even forming a phenomenal partnership with club captain Ethan Ampadu in the process.
Stach has operated in a box-to-box role since the switch to a back three formation, but it’s actually allowed the German to produce some remarkable moments in the final third.
|
Anton Stach – stats against Forest |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics |
Tally |
|
Minutes |
90 |
|
Touches |
57 |
|
Goals |
1 |
|
Key passes |
0 |
|
Pass accuracy |
55% |
|
Possession lost |
19 |
|
Succ. dribbles |
0/1 |
|
Ground duels won |
7/12 |
|
Aerial duels won |
2/2 |
|
Dribbled past |
1 |
He demonstrated exactly that during the recent victory over Forest in the Premier League, as his late free kick secured an opening day triumph for Farke’s side.
It’s the fourth free-kick he’s netted since arriving in Yorkshire, with his 40% success rate the best of any player in the division’s history to have taken 10 or more strikes.
The £18m fee to secure his signature is now looking like a bargain, with the manager undoubtedly wishing he could have every player perform on a consistent basis – just like Stach does.
How Leeds can land the next Stach this summer
Despite being just four days left in the summer window, the Leeds hierarchy are working tirelessly to try and secure additional deals to bolster the senior squad.
RB Leipzig striker Conrad Harder has been touted with a move to join the Whites, which could see him emulate Stach in arriving in Yorkshire from a Bundesliga side.
However, the Danish star isn’t the only player in their sights, with Lorient midfielder Arthur Avom also under strong consideration ahead of Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
It’s been reported by Africa Foot via Sport Witness that Leeds are eyeing a late move for the 21-year-old, who made 31 appearances in France’s top-flight last term.
However, securing his signature could be a tricky task, as the likes of Sunderland, Crystal Palace and Everton are all also considering a last-gasp approach for his services.
Any deal could well be a bargain one for any of the interested parties, as the player is in the final year of his contract and is valued at around the €20m (£17m) mark.
Like before Stach’s arrival, Avom is likely unknown to the majority of the supporters at Elland Road – but it could be yet another deal which sees the club secure a bargain talent.
His stats from last season in Ligue 1 demonstrate his quality at both ends of the pitch, which could see him emulate the German’s success upon any move to Yorkshire.
The Cameroonian international managed to complete 84% of the passes he attempted, whilst creating an impressive tally of 1.3 chances created per 90.
The latter of the aforementioned figures showcases his ability to provide opportunities for those ahead of him, ranking him above 72% of other players in his position across Europe.
His talent in possession is further evident in his 54% dribble success rate, which could see the youngster emulate Stach in being able to develop the play from a deeper role.
His similarity to the German stretches to his goalscoring ability, as Avom netted twice in Ligue 1 last season – but both of his efforts came from outside the 18-yard box.
Even without the ball, the Lorient star did manage to catch the eye, as he made 1.3 interceptions per 90 – which placed him in the top 20% of all midfielders in Europe’s top-five leagues.
£17m for a player of his all-round quality could prove to be a phenomenal deal for Leeds – especially if he can emulate the success of Stach in Yorkshire.
However, given the huge interest from other sides in the Premier League, the hierarchy will have to work rapidly to secure his signature and avoid losing out to a divisional rival.
