The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Wednesday 16th July) - Leeds agree personal terms with Anton Stach

[Ellandback1]

Good Morning. It's Wednesday 16th July, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...


Leeds agree personal terms with Anton Stach

Leeds United’s midfield rebuild continues to gather pace ahead of their return to the Premier League. Following the announcement that the club has agreed terms with Newcastle United for Sean Longstaff, fresh reports from Sky Sports Germany suggest Leeds have now agreed personal terms with another target , Hoffenheim’s Anton Stach. The 26-year-old central midfielder, who is under contract with the Bundesliga side until 2027, has emerged as a key name on the club’s radar as they look to add depth and quality in the centre of the park.

Transfer expert Florian Plettenberg reports that while an agreement with Stach has been reached on the player side, talks between Leeds and Hoffenheim are ongoing. The German club are currently demanding around €20 million plus add-ons for the former Mainz and Greuther Fürth man. Known for his physical presence, work rate, and tactical discipline, Stach would bring Bundesliga and international experience to a Leeds side determined to hit the ground running on their Premier League return.





£17m offer submitted for Turkish International striker

Reports from Turkish media outlet Aksam, suggest Leeds may be on the verge of acquiring a much-needed striker, after submitting a mouth watering offer for Besiktas' rising star Semih Kilicsoy.

Although only 19, Kilicsoy has already made a name for himself at Besiktas, showcasing promising potential that has attracted attention from clubs across Europe. However, Leeds United appear to have taken the lead in the pursuit, with an official bid of £17m. Besiktas are understood to be open to considering a sale at this price point, potentially paving the way for a sale!

While Kilicsoy's talent is undeniable, expecting a 19-year-old with limited Super Lig experience to lead the line in the Premier League would be a significant ask. His potential addition, however, shouldn't deter Leeds from pursuing a more established, marquee signing upfront this summer.

Fulham's Rodrigo Muniz remains a primary target for the Whites, suggesting that Leeds are looking to add both youthful potential and proven quality to their attacking ranks. Kilicsoy's acquisition will be viewed as long-term potential and future profit.





Longstaff on his way to Elland Road

Leeds have finally reached agreement with Newcastle United over versitile midfielder Sean Longstaff. According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, the Whites have an "agreement in principle" with the Magpies for the 27-year-old. The proposed deal is structured around a £15 million package, comprised of a fixed fee of £12 million and an additional £3 million in performance-related add-ons. Notably, one such add-on is contingent on Leeds United avoiding relegation this season, highlighting the club's focus on Premier League survival.

Ornstein reports that this £15 million valuation was "close to the limit" of what Leeds were willing to pay for Longstaff. This agreement comes after three previous bids were rejected, with the prior offer standing at £12 million (a base of £10 million plus £2 million in add-ons). Despite the negotiation hurdles, Leeds clearly identified Longstaff as a key target for the forthcoming season, and will leave Newcastle Utd's training camp in Austria today.

Leeds had other candidates on their radar but with personal terms already agreed with the player, felt it was worthwhile pursuing their original target. His extensive Premier League experience, boasting five seasons of significant playing time and a total of seven years within a top-flight squad, could prove invaluable to Leeds as they aim to cement their place in the top flight.





Leeds hold advantage over Lammens signature

Leeds have turned his attention to Royal Antwerp's shot-stopper Senne Lammens after (apparantly) losing out on Vanja Milinković-Savić and Lucas Perri. Royal Antwerp are open to selling the 23-year-old Belgian, with sporting director Marc Overmars confirming they've already secured a replacement. This has alerted several clubs, including Manchester United, but Leeds may have a significant advantage in securing his signature.

According to reports, Lammens is seeking assurances of being first choice at his next club. This is where Leeds could edge out Manchester United, who are looking for a goalkeeper to compete with Andre Onana, while Leeds view Lammens as the ideal replacement for Meslier. Karl Darlow filled in admirably last season, but the club is seeking a long-term solution.

Lammens is highly rated in Belgium and across Europe. His shot-stopping abilities are considered exceptional, and he commands his penalty area, effectively relieving pressure on his defense by claiming crosses. Statistically, no other goalkeeper made more saves or prevented more goals last season than Lammens.

If Leeds can offer Lammens the guaranteed starting role he desires, they could secure a promising young goalkeeper who could bring much-needed stability between the sticks as they aim for a successful return to the Premier League. The potential £17 million transfer hinges on this key demand, and Leeds appear well-positioned to meet it.

[The Subhuman]

Kilicsoy signing would make me sit up and take note, very quick, strong, great feet. Excellent in tight spaces and can finish..

Not the finished article yet though and may struggle at the start in England

[Ellandback1]

It has been rumoured that Leeds have had personal terms agreed with Anton Stach for a while, but
Florian Plettenberg's announcement put's pressure on Leeds to get the deal done.

Reading between the lines, Hoffenheim have leaked the information to Plettenberg in their bid to get extra cash. Whilst the German outfit may accept £17m from another European league, clubs from the Premier League can afford to go higher.

Hoffenheim want £22m from Leeds, and are putting pressure on them to get it.

[Ellandback1]

With Stach and Longstaff on their way, where does this leave Tanaka?

[Chilli D]

With Stach and Longstaff on their way, where does this leave Tanaka?

As part of the squad, the same as the rest of the players.

[marie67]

Kilicsoy signing would make me sit up and take note, very quick, strong, great feet. Excellent in tight spaces and can finish..

Not the finished article yet though and may struggle at the start in England

Not seen anything of him.
Is he a better prospect than Mateo Joseph? Would this mean that he would be moving on?

[1964white]

With Stach and Longstaff on their way, where does this leave Tanaka?

On the bench.

Ao will get game-time, he'll have to fight for his place in the first XI.

I did say at the end of last season, we'll have a decent back-up with the majority of our championship title winning team filling the seats in the dugout.

[1964white]

Not seen anything of him.
Is he a better prospect than Mateo Joseph? Would this mean that he would be moving on?

He reminds me of Aguero.

[marie67]

He reminds me of Aguero.

yep very impressive

[whiteinfrance]

Jaydog will be having a Semih watching this!

[Ellandback1]

Hoffenheim play a pre-season friendly today at Sportfreunde Lauffen (4pm).

Will be very interested to see if Stach is in their squad?

Leeds fly to Germany after the scum game on saturday so may wait until early next week.

[Clitheroe White]

With Stach and Longstaff on their way, where does this leave Tanaka?

We seem to getting an overload of central midfield players with a lot of overlapping of capabilities Typically only 2 can play at once..
Amps
Tanaka
Gruev
Longstaff
Stach
Arronson

Where does that leave Crew and Gyabi as up and coming talents?

[Jammy 07]

We seem to getting an overload of central midfield players with a lot of overlapping of capabilities Typically only 2 can play at once..
Amps
Tanaka
Gruev
Longstaff
Stach
Arronson

Where does that leave Crew and Gyabi as up and coming talents?

It does look like we might be going to be playing a 3 man midfield with just one central striker and two wide players. Or possibly it's back to the penis formation with no real width ?

[Carrick Dave]

With Stach and Longstaff on their way, where does this leave Tanaka?

More to the point, where does it leave Gruev? He'll be moving on I think.

And does it mean we've given up on the idea of signing a creative 10, and will rely solely on the wide players to make things happen up front?

[The Subhuman]

With Stach and Longstaff on their way, where does this leave Tanaka?

Or Ampadu with Stach being a defensive mid….we’re going 10 behind the ball with Dan James on the end of hoofs

[The Subhuman]

Not seen anything of him.
Is he a better prospect than Mateo Joseph? Would this mean that he would be moving on?

About the same I would think, Different types of player, He’s more a Henry type coming from wide where Mateo is a pure 9

[DDB220]

More to the point, where does it leave Gruev? He'll be moving on I think.

And does it mean we've given up on the idea of signing a creative 10, and will rely solely on the wide players to make things happen up front?

BA can still play the 10 role, his closing down and ratting work in the middle of the park will be crucial in this league, he just needs to improve in possession. He is still young enough to do so. I have high hopes for Gnonto this season, quality player with fantastic technique.

Always suspected Gruev will move on. Need an acceptable bid first. He could go on loan if no purchase interest. But things tend to move fast towards the end of the window, the likelihood of Gruev and also Mes remaining likely depends on whether we get our targets. If Mes stayed, signed a new contract and was happy to fight for the shirt, the competition that the new keeper provides may bring him on. I still believe he is a talented keeper who will improve.

Longstaff deal finally agreed, quicker than I thought it would, which is positive news.

[ruttermania]

I don't believe that we will be getting rid of any of the Gruev , Tanaka , Ampadu group as signing Longstaff and Stach would simply bring us back to the numbers we had last season. The likelihood is that DF will approach next season in a fairly flexible pragmatic style as he aims to eke out the points for survival . We are building a squad designed to give him those options and it would be bizarre to offload players that you know can do a job for you simply because they won't always be getting a start. Gruev had to wait a good while to get into the team when he first arrived and I fully expect that he will show the same patience if there's a chance that he can get to play in the Premiership and I think he is quite underrated by a lot of people . If we sign Klicsoy that would probably mean that Joseph is done and I wonder whether we shouldn't be looking at signing the likes of Callum Wilson and sending MJ out on loan on the basis that there's a clear pathway back in if he scores a heap of goals out on loan ?

[DDB220]

He reminds me of Aguero.

I hold no value in these YouTube clips beyond the players athleticism and technique. He has good balance, what looks like a very decent first touch and is strong in possession. Is he ready for prem level football ? - it is a big step up.

[DDB220]

I don't believe that we will be getting rid of any of the Gruev , Tanaka , Ampadu group as signing Longstaff and Stach would simply bring us back to the numbers we had last season. The likelihood is that DF will approach next season in a fairly flexible pragmatic style as he aims to eke out the points for survival . We are building a squad designed to give him those options and it would be bizarre to offload players that you know can do a job for you simply because they won't always be getting a start. Gruev had to wait a good while to get into the team when he first arrived and I fully expect that he will show the same patience if there's a chance that he can get to play in the Premiership and I think he is quite underrated by a lot of people . If we sign Klicsoy that would probably mean that Joseph is done and I wonder whether we shouldn't be looking at signing the likes of Callum Wilson and sending MJ out on loan on the basis that there's a clear pathway back in if he scores a heap of goals out on loan ?

I doubt they would take Wilson, big wages, injuries are becoming a constant issue and his age does not fit the clubs philosophy.

I do not underrate Gruev, I just believe he is too one footed for the prem, and he struggles when pressed. But he is a solid pro - but not suited for this level for me. Incidentally, I would not be disappointed if we kept him, his work rate and tenacity are without question.