“Deal 80% Done: Leeds Agree Personal Terms with Bundesliga Beast as Longstaff Transfer Nears Completion – Farke’s Midfield Revolution Underway!”

Leeds United Eye Bundesliga Star After Agreeing Longstaff Deal

Leeds United are pressing ahead with an ambitious midfield rebuild as they prepare for life back in the Premier League. After strengthening their squad with the arrivals of Gabriel Gudmundsson, Sebastiaan Bornauw, Jaka Bijol, and Lukas Nmecha, the club is now finalising a deal for Newcastle United’s Sean Longstaff—while simultaneously working on a potentially bigger addition in Hoffenheim’s Anton Stach.

The Whites have agreed a fee of up to £15m with Newcastle for Longstaff, according to David Ornstein. The 27-year-old is expected to be Daniel Farke’s fifth signing of the summer. A proven Premier League performer, Longstaff will add much-needed top-flight experience to Leeds’ midfield.

His strengths lie in his defensive contribution. Last season, he averaged 3.05 tackles per 90 minutes—ranking in the top 19% of Premier League midfielders—alongside 1.92 blocks (top 8%) and a dribbler tackle success rate of 66.7% (top 4%), according to FBref. However, he failed to register a goal or assist, nor create a single big chance during the campaign, suggesting his impact in possession may be limited.

Despite that, his presence in a double pivot could prove vital, particularly if Farke continues with his favoured 4-2-3-1 formation. Longstaff’s defensive solidity may serve as the platform for others to thrive.

But while that deal nears completion, Leeds are also pushing to land German international Anton Stach from Hoffenheim. According to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg, the Whites have already agreed personal terms with the 26-year-old, although a transfer fee is yet to be finalised.

“Hoffenheim are looking for a fee of around £17m, with add-ons on top of that,” Plettenberg reported. Whether Leeds are willing to meet that valuation remains to be seen, but the interest is clear.

Stach represents a physically imposing option—standing at 6ft 4in, he would immediately become the tallest central midfielder at Elland Road. His duel success in the Bundesliga reflects his strength out of possession, having won 59% of his ground duels and 57% of his aerial duels last term—far surpassing Longstaff’s 1.7 duels won per game.

Beyond his physicality, Stach also contributes in the final third. Last season, he scored twice, created four big chances, and averaged 5.29 progressive passes per 90—compared to Longstaff’s 4.51. His ability to move play forward and break the lines could bring a more dynamic edge to Farke’s midfield.

Crucially, both signings appear aimed at adding depth, balance, and resilience to a Leeds side desperate to avoid another swift return to the Championship. While Longstaff may provide defensive assurance, Stach could offer a more complete midfield package—combining size, strength, and forward-thinking vision.

Leeds’ transfer activity is far from over, but should they secure both targets, it would mark a significant statement of intent. In a season where survival is the primary goal, the Whites are building a midfield equipped to compete—and potentially thrive—at the top level.