Leeds United have added seven new signings this summer, bolstering the depth and quality of the team. But the most important part of the pitch to Daniel Farke was the midfield.
Farke fought to sign both Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach this summer. Leeds had multiple bids rejected for Longstaff before they reached the asking price to sign him. The deal for Anton Stach was also a bit extended due to the transfer fee involved.
The Leeds boss gave an insight into why he needed these two players in the middle of the park for the Premier League.
“We brought Sean Longstaff in and [it was] important we also got one more addition and we all got the feeling with Anton Stach that we have a top class guy. He can play in various positions across the midfield.
Farke made an emphasis that Stach was brought in for his physicality and ball winning at this level.
”Obviously, as you can see, he’s a pretty tall guy. He’s good in both boxes in terms of defending set pieces or attacking set pieces.
“He’s a very physical guy, really good in winning duels and ball recoveries. But also yeah definitely solid, more than solid, on the ball.”
QUIZ: Can you name these 10 former Leeds United defenders?
Leeds United keeping tabs on Coventry star
Credit: Imago
Leeds United News are reporting that the Whites are still keen on signing Coventry City’s Jack Rudoni. The midfielder was a target earlier this summer, but the noise around him faded. This recent report indicates that the 24-year old could be a potential late addition in this window.
Southampton had a bid rejected for the midfielder this week. It is believed that Coventry want to keep him this summer, but a big enough fee could convince the club to part ways.
Do Leeds need another midfielder?
Per recent reports, the club are in the market for an attacking midfielder. And tactically, it makes a lot of sense. The current options in the team fall under defensive minded players or playmakers. Goalscorers are limited in that core of midfielders.
That is the area Rudoni excels in, the 24-year old had 10 goals and 12 assists in the Championship in an advanced role. He would fit perfectly as Daniel Farke is looking to play a 4-3-3 shape next season. As for whether Rudoni is better than other targets including Emi Buendia and Gustavo Hamer, is another question.
The new signings so far are good, no complaints here – several worker bees but no ‘queen’ to bring it together. It appears the 49’s have underestimated the challenges of recruitment in the Premiership. Comparing the time Leeds have had to sign ‘the right player’ since securing promotion, with Sunderland that qualified through the play offs – as the yanks with say … seems some boy’s dragging their ass! The 49s profile is not as big as they think British football – they need to learn from the successful clubs over here and ACT quickly. Having a fallback on Solomon or Hamer at the end of the transfer window is not providing the support Farke really needs, it simply exposes that the 49s are not as capable as they think they are.