Leeds United look set to bolster their midfield ranks in the coming days as a deal for Sean Longstaff progresses. A package worth £12million plus £3m add-ons has been agreed upon and the 27-year-old is expected to leave Newcastle United’s pre-season camp in Austria to finalise a move to Elland Road.
Shortly after news broke of a deal for Longstaff, Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg reported that personal terms have also been agreed for Anton Stach, who the YEP exclusively named as a viable transfer target for Leeds earlier this month. Hoffenheim are thought to want around £17m plus add-ons for the 6ft 4ins German.
Should they manage to get deals over the line for both then Daniel Farke will have some big decisions to make in midfield, with Ethan Ampadu, Ao Tanaka and Ilia Gruev also fighting for minutes. Below, the YEP has taken a look at what Leeds’ strongest current XI would look like with Longstaff and Stach both included.
1. GK: Lucas Perri
Leeds got a deal over the line for Perri earlier this summer and he has come straight in as first-choice. A few early questions so far but the Brazilian should add plenty of experience across the campaign. | Getty Images
2. RB: Jayden Bogle
Earned another shot at the Premier League following an excellent 2024/25 campaign and looked great so far, linking up really well with whoever is ahead of him at right-wing. Test will be how he copes with the world's best wingers running at him, although one-v-one defending has improved a lot. | Manchester United via Getty Imag
3. CB: Joe Rodon
Ever-present Rodon has earned his shot at Premier League football, having rarely been given a chance at Spurs. Could easily have won Player of the Season and his skillset should translate well in the top-flight. | Manchester United via Getty Imag
4. CB: Jaka Bijol
Leeds confirmed the permanent signing of Bijol in June and he should come into the starting-XI from now onwards. Has looked a real step up on either side of the centre-back pairing and settling in nicely. A huge physical presence. | Getty Images
5. LB: Gabriel Gudmundsson
Like Bijol, the 26-year-old Sweden international is vastly experienced and entering the prime of his career. Has looked impressive so far and should only improve as he adjusts to the Premier League and his new club. | Getty Images
6. CDM: Ethan Ampadu
Has been a huge miss after that opening-weekend win over Everton due to a knee injury, proving once again how important he remains at the base of Farke's midfield. Is expected to remain one of the first names on the teamsheet once he returns. | Getty Images