Anton Stach has finally completed his move to Leeds United as the 6’4 midfielder brings his presence to Elland Road.
Daniel Farke has been missing his own Declan Rice, but with the addition of Stach, he gets that to a tee.
Stach arrives for £19.9m, which includes the original fee and add-ons, being excellent business from the 49ers.
✍️ 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲, 𝗔𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗻!
Anton Stach joins from TSG Hoffenheim, after signing a four year contract with the club!
— Leeds United (@LUFC) July 22, 2025
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The sixth summer arrival for Leeds is the most expensive and probably the most exciting, as Leeds fans are already ‘moved’ by Stach.
Fans might be excited, and so might some players, but Stach will also ruffle some feathers in Farke’s squad.
Photo by Joris Verwijst/BSR Agency/Getty ImagesWinners and losers of Anton Stach’s £19.9m Leeds United moveWinners – Daniel Farke
It comes as no surprise that the first name on the winners list is Farke.
The Leeds boss has done incredible business, and as Farke has a big role in the transfer strategy, once again he’s looked the way of the Bundesliga for a bargain.
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Not only is it an excellent deal from a financial point of view, but the German also has his own variation of Rice, as mentioned before, bringing his experience from the Bundesliga as well.
The 49ers
With the addition of Stach, it seems like a statement signing from Leeds’ point of view, and the owners deserve immense praise.
This is because they’ve beaten off the likes of Man United and Liverpool for the signing, who have shown previous interest.
To do so for just under £20m is a masterstroke, and Paraag Marathe has also ticked the box of physicality and height, which has been a theme with the 2025/26 signings.
Jaka Bijol and Joe Rodon
The likelihood is that Farke will start with Jaka Bijol and Joe Rodon as his starting centre-backs this season.
Tony Dorigo praised Bijol vs Man United as the Slovenian showed exactly why he was brought in, but now, along with Rodon, they have added cover in front of them.
Although Stach likes to play his way into final third passes, defensively is where he shines, and instead, he can stop the opposition’s final third balls.
To have a 6’4 enforcer in front of them will make the duo at the back feel more at ease, as a formidable triangle can be formed in Farke’s setup.
READ MORE: Anton Stach shares what Daniel Farke ‘told’ him at Leeds United that has already won him over
Photo by Alex Dodd – CameraSport via Getty ImagesLosers – Ilia Gruev
Now onto the players who suffer from Stach’s ‘commanding presence’ as Ilia Gruev’s future at Elland Road is looking bleak.
The Bulgarian is already quite far down in the pecking order, but with Stach’s arrival, this leaves him as the fifth choice in Farke’s plans.
Although Gruev wants to fight for his place, it’s going to be a tricky task ahead for the 25-year-old.
Ethan Ampadu
As captain, Ethan Ampadu seems like a no-brainer to start for Farke in the Premier League.
But with Stach’s transfer now completed, Ampadu will know he’ll have some friendly competition with the 26-year-old, and with both players excelling at similar traits in that defensive midfield role, it’s a close comparison.
Ethan Ampadu in 24/25Anton Stach in 24/25Games played2930Pass accuracy %90.5%83.4%Chances created1426Duels won per 905.835.84Tackles won %57.4%69.7%
Stach looks to edge it, looking better defensively and still providing that creative outlet, as it’s clear Ampadu will have to work extra hard this campaign.
Pascal Struijk
As the German looks to get settled in, one player who could actually be affected by this is Pascal Struijk.
Struijk, who is one of the longest-serving players in the squad, has seen his place under threat already from Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw coming in, but Stach adds to that.
Speaking on Ampadu, the silver lining for him is that Farke could use him more at centre-back with Stach’s arrival, but the 26-year-old can also do a job in Struijk’s position as well.
Struijk could leave because of Bijol, but Stach’s signature adds more problems for the Dutchman.