Farke 'clearly keen to add height and physicality' to Leeds squad

Anton Stach is Leeds' sixth signing of the summer, four of whom are 6ft 1in or taller, with head coach Daniel Farke clearly keen to add height and physicality to the squad which won promotion from the Championship last season.

Stach, who has moved to Elland Road from Hoffenheim for £17m, certainly fits the bill, having been one of the Bundesliga's most effective ball-winners in recent years.

In the past two seasons he has registered 120 interceptions, more than any other player in the German top flight, and won possession 393 times, which is the league's third-highest tally. He also ranks fourth for tackles attempted and duels won.

His versatility should also be an asset for Leeds. Though used primarily as a holding midfielder by Hoffenheim, Stach began 2024-25 at centre-back, only switching to a more advanced role in November following the appointment of Christian Ilzer as head coach.

At 6ft 4in tall, Stach is an effective aerial presence in both boxes. With Leeds also recruiting Jaka Bijol and Sebastian Bornauw - both of whom are 6ft 3in - plus 6ft 1in Lukas Nmecha, they will hope to gain a competitive edge next season when it comes to all-important set-pieces.