Anton Stach looks set to become Leeds United’s sixth summer signing after undergoing medical tests on Monday. The YEP reported over the weekend on the agreement of a €20million (£17.3m) deal for the Hoffenheim midfielder, who is expected to join up with Daniel Farke’s squad in Germany once a deal is done.
Fans will hope to get a first look at Stach during one of Leeds’ two behind-closed-doors friendlies over in Germany and ahead of that non-competitive debut, the 6ft 4ins ball-winner will need to pick a squad number. Saturday’s 0-0 draw against Manchester United saw all five current arrivals sport vacant options, the most obvious of which saw left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson claim Junior Firpo’s No.3 while Sean Longstaff went for No.8.
There are still plenty of options for Stach to pick from, including the number he’s worn for the past three years at Hoffenheim. Below, the YEP takes a fresh look at what’s available following Saturday’s friendly.
1. No.5
The most recent number to become available having been vacated by Pascal Struijk following his £20m move to Brighton. The Dutchman spent two years with 5 on his back. | AFP via Getty Images
2. No.12
Loan signing Jaidon Anthony spent one season wearing the No.12 shirt in 2023/24 before returning to Bournemouth. It has remained unclaimed in two years since. Previous owners range from Gordon Strachan to Paul Rachubka. | Getty Images
3. No.13
Unlucky for some, and usually reserved for back-up goalkeepers - albeit neither Karl Darlow nor Alex Cairns went for it. Given up by Kristoffer Klaesson in 2024 and previously worn by Kiko Casilla. | Getty Images
4. No.16
Another to become recently available, with previous owner Illan Meslier leaving Leeds upon the expiration of his contract. Previous owners include Yosuke Ideguchi and Toumani Diagouraga.
5. No.17
Was Largie Ramazani's shirt number during the 2024/25 season but became up for grabs following the winger's summer loan move to Valencia. He could reclaim it, if staying, but that doesn't feel likely. Previously owned by Helder Costa and Alan Smith. | Getty Images
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6. No.20
Jack Harrison spent the first half of last season with No.20 on his back before joining Fiorentina on loan in January. Unlikely to be around next season and so it'll remain available. | Getty Images