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