Done Deal: Leeds United Seal Sean Longstaff Transfer as Anton Stach Move 80% Complete

Leeds United Making Strides in Midfield and Goalkeeper Pursuits as Transfer Plans Accelerate

Leeds United are closing in on the signing of Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff, with Hoffenheim’s Anton Stach also on their radar in a busy transfer period for Daniel Farke’s side.

According to The Yorkshire Evening Post’s Graham Smyth, the Whites are “expected to announce the signing of midfielder Sean Longstaff” soon, as the club looks to bolster its central options. Talks for German international Anton Stach are also understood to be advancing, though Leeds may face late competition for his signature.

Stach, 25, has been a long-standing target for the Whites and would add a more progressive, box-to-box presence alongside the more defensively solid Longstaff. The duo are key to Leeds’ summer midfield revamp, with sources close to the club confirming they are “continuing to work towards a deal for Hoffenheim midfielder Anton Stach.”

As Farke prepares his side for a crucial season, the midfield overhaul is just one part of a broader recruitment drive. Leeds are reportedly aiming to sign at least six more players before the summer deadline, including a creative midfielder, a winger, a striker, a goalkeeper, and defensive cover.

One major position Leeds are urgently addressing is in goal. With Illan Meslier nearing a potential exit, Leeds are stepping up efforts to secure a new number one. Meslier, who has spent six years at Elland Road, is attracting increasing interest, though no formal offers have been made yet. Smyth noted: “Some interest in Illan Meslier is starting to pick up. Don’t believe it’s reached firm offer stage yet though. Leeds obviously looking for a keeper and making progress on that front we believe, so writing might very well be on the wall.”

The Frenchman, now in the final year of his contract, is expected to depart, with Karl Darlow likely serving as a back-up option next season. Meslier’s departure could also offer Leeds valuable financial room under Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

In terms of potential replacements, Mainz’s Robin Zentner and Lyon’s Lucas Perri have both been considered by the recruitment team. While Vanja Milinković-Savić was once in the frame before opting to join Napoli, Leeds remain optimistic about finalising a deal for a first-choice keeper. Smyth wrote that the club “are believed to be making progress on the addition of a first-choice goalkeeper to Daniel Farke’s squad.”

However, he ruled out links to Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale and Club Brugge’s Senne Lammens, confirming: “Zentner, Perri have been looked at, which you’ll know. There’ll be one or two others. Lammens wasn’t a target last I checked and nor was Ramsdale but obviously things can change.”

With key additions on the horizon, Leeds appear determined to reinforce their squad across the board. The midfield duo of Longstaff and Stach could be the start of a transformative summer as the club gears up for the new season under the stewardship of 49ers Enterprises and Daniel Farke.