The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Monday 21st July)

Good Morning. It's Monday 21st July, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road

Anton Stach set to sign in next 48 hours

Anton Stach expected to complete his move from Hoffenheim within the next 48 hours. The versatile midfielder's imminent arrival has been confirmed by Hoffenheim's sporting director, Andreas Schicker, who admitted that a transfer to Elland Road was close after Stach missed their pre-season friendly on Saturday.

This highly anticipated transfer sees Leeds agree in principle a €20 million deal with the Bundesliga outfit, marking a substantial investment for the Whites. Stach, 26, is set to become Leeds' sixth summer recruit, adding further depth and quality to Daniel Farke's squad. Interest in the ball-winning midfielder was initially reported by The YEP earlier this month, and there has been growing optimism that a deal would materialize.

Stach's signing will undoubtedly strengthen Leeds' midfield unit, which is already beginning to look formidable under Farke's guidance. The recent goalless draw in Stockholm showcased the impressive performances of Sean Longstaff, Ethan Ampadu, Ao Tanaka, and Ilia Gruev. With Stach's integration, Farke will soon have five first-team options in midfield, each offering a slightly different profile and skillset, providing the manager with crucial tactical flexibility.

Logistically, Anton Stach is currently still in Germany but is expected to link up with his new Leeds teammates, who are also set to arrive in Germany shortly for their pre-season preparations. The squad will play several behind-closed-doors friendlies next week before returning home to face Villarreal next month. Given the Red Bull connection with Leeds, is could make sense for Stach's medical to be conducted in Leipzig, a convenient two-hour train journey from Hoffenheim.

Once Stach's arrival is officially confirmed, Leeds United's recruitment department can then shift its focus to addressing other key areas. Reports suggest that the priority will be to bring in a first-choice goalkeeper, a goal scoring forward and left winger to complete Farke's desired squad ahead of the new season.

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Bamford surplus to requirements at Leeds

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has delivered a candid message to striker Patrick Bamford, informing him he is not part of the club’s Premier League plans for the upcoming season. The news emerged after Leeds' goalless draw with Manchester United in a pre-season friendly.

Farke revealed in his post post preser that he had an "open and honest conversation" with the 31yo on the second day of pre-season, attributing the decision to the striker's persistent injury struggles over the past few years. "I would have preferred a completely fit Patrick Bamford in the last two seasons," Farke stated, emphasizing his personal respect for the player. He believes Bamford "needs to be the main man" to thrive, something recent years haven't allowed.

Bamford, who joined Leeds in 2018, has been a significant figure, contributing to two promotions and scoring 60 goals in 205 appearances. However, his performance has been hampered by injuries, failing to score at all last season and starting only 40 league games since the 2021-22 campaign. His absence from the recent friendly squad further fueled speculation, confirming his likely departure.

'I would have preferred a completely fit Patrick Bamford in the last two seasons. He knows how much I rate him as a person. 'It was the second day of pre-season when I told him in my office that he wasn’t part of my plans for the upcoming Premier League season, due to the fact that he’s had really difficult years over the past few years.’

‘For me, Patrick is someone who needs to be the main man. If he gets this, he will score goals at every level because he’s a top player.’ ‘But after the last few seasons, I wasn’t willing to do this and say he was our main man at Premier League level. With the CV he’s had at Leeds United, he shouldn’t be a back up option. This is not what you should be when you are the main man for so many years,'

‘He has trained really professionally and his reaction was top class, as expected. He liked the openness and honesty. Patrick has done so much for this club over the last seven years, winning two promotions. 'He trained with us over the first two weeks but I told him that once we go to the training camp, I will reduce the size of my group so that’s why I made this cut right now,
‘It was really tough because Patrick knows 100 per cent how much I rate him as a player. To have such a conversation with him, especially when he looked really sharp and highly motivated when he came in. 'Like always, he’s an unbelievable professional. There’s no one to blame. In the last one and a half years, with not too many appearances or goals, it’s unlucky as he had several injuries.’

‘I’m pretty sure that he would have preferred if I told him he was the main man. It’s never an easy conversation, especially for a player that’s done so much for Leeds United. When he sits face-to-face in front of me, it’s always difficult but I’d rather have this conversation than send my sporting director. It’s the toughest part of the job as a manager.

'I was also pretty grateful because it was so emotional for myself. We’ve had so many good experiences. Patrick behaved like a gentleman. Yes, he would have wished for something else but his reaction was top-class and I’m grateful for how he reacted.'

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Stalemate but early indication Leeds can hold their own in top flight

Leeds United kicked off their 2025 pre-season programme with a goalless draw against Manchester United in Stockholm, showcasing debuts for the five new arrivals the club has drafted in so far this transfer window. The match was more about the Leeds players gaining valuable minutes during their first outing of the summer, with the majority of the squad receiving 45 minutes of playtime each.

Among the new arrivals, Lukas Nmecha and Joel Piroe were given the nod to start the match, with Nmecha offering a physical presence upfront. Piroe displayed creativity, vision, and flair, threading passes into space for teammates and showcasing his potential for the coming season. Jayden Bogle continued his impressive form from last season, while Gabriel Gudmundsson made his debut as Leeds' left-back following his transfer from Lille.

The game also provided a glimpse of a potential 4-3-3 formation, with captain Ethan Ampadu anchoring the midfield, Ao Tanaka and Ilia Gruev alternating between No 8 and No 10 roles, and Sean Longstaff displaying classy touches and patience on the ball. All in all, an encouraging early indicator though Daniel Farke knows there is a long way to go.

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Joseph's omission makes no sense

Mateo Joseph’s notable absence from the Leeds United matchday squad against Manchester United at the weekend has sparked considerable discussion regarding his immediate future at the club. Manager Daniel Farke offered a far less definitive stance on the young Spaniard’s situation compared to his firm comments about Patrick Bamford.

Farke seemed to suggest that Joseph’s decision to sit out the fixture was his own, with the player reportedly not feeling ready for action after a slightly delayed return to training. This delay followed his responsibilities with the Spain Under-21 national team earlier this summer.

The highly-rated 21-year-old striker has been at the centre of strong transfer speculation. Clubs such as Real Betis and RC Strasbourg have been heavily linked with moves for Joseph throughout the summer. Given Joseph's delayed return to training, a 30 minute run out in a meaningless friendly may have been the ideal tonic to gain some match sharpness, prompting many to suggest that a permanent transfer away from Elland Road may not be far away!

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Morning all. Farke has handled the Bamford situation well despite the usual muppets on social looking for Farkes head and declaring Bamford is still an incredible striker who should be leading the line this season. Rubbish of course. Not sure what was learned from Saturdays as it was awful but to be expected from pre season friendlies

 

Morning all

Gnonto came back at the same time as Jospeh and requested to be included, Joseph knows his days are numbered, sell him to a Spanish team, big sell on clause and forget about him

I read we’re interested in Tom Fellows from WBA I’ve also noticed every time we’ve been linked with a championship player nothing has happened

I’ll breathe a sigh of relief when Stach is signed, apparently we’re after an unnamed keeper, the club are doing their upmost to keep it quiet

 

Morning all three words that should never go together.. Joseph Bamford Striker.... Get rid ffs. Buy some players with skill and ability needed for this league.

 

Morning all,

Hopefully a club comes in for Bamford offering him a pay as you play contract. It’s the best option.

We don’t want to be buying out his contract just to get rid. And no club will want to sign a permanent sick note for high wages.

 

Get rid of Harrison as well asap. Waste of a squad place and a waste of wages.

 

Morning all.

This transfer window has been disappointingly slow. Very typical of the 49ers...

Stach is a significant signing and I am looking forward to his performance. However, the other additions are less impressive. A marquee signing (or two) is required at this stage, potentially a striker. I am hopeful that one of these will materialise.

 

I think Longstaff is impressive and we don't know anything about the others yet

 

Sorry, yeah. I'd forgotten about Longstaff.. DoH!

 

Who remembers this time last season when Summerville picked up that imaginary injury before a pre-season game only to be gone a few days later. Could be the same with Joseph....

 

Morning all

Of the 6 signings so far Farke seems to have done pretty well building from the back and into midfield. Lots of cover and combinations. Still need a keeper a 10 and a 9 and would prefer a top left winger to replace Solomon. Pixao was a great try as its another Raphinah type, can we rely on Ramazani?

 

Signings in order of quality in my opinion......

1. Stach 8/10
2. Longstaff 7.5/10
3. Gudmundsson 5/10
4. Bijol 5/10
5. Bornauw 3/10.

 

Fellows looks a very good prospect, excellent close control of the ball, little raw but with the right coaching I think he'd be a very good acquisition.

The unnamed keeper is interesting because I believe the club as found the culprit of the Diarra, Nmecha and Savic leaks, they've done a Bates and given out false info to the suspected person and he fell for it. Although Lammens is the keeper

 

I would put Bijol right up there. He'll be first choice all season.

 

Lacks too much pace. Will get found out in the PL imo. Gudmundssons pace might help him out.

 

I really like Fellows but it's not a player for us in this window. We need immediate upgrades not potential upgrades in a couple of years. Spending £10 million on him would be a waste on resources right now.

 

It's one of those, if we have £10m then go for it, as it could well be double that next season.

 

Leeds first pre-season game of their tour of Germany will be against Paderborn, who play in the second tier of German football. Not a surprise. Norwich had pre-season game's against Paderborn when Farke was In charge.

 

Could be worth going for Semih Kilicsoy???