🔎 Leeds United’s Midfield Evolution: Anton Stach’s Arrival, Ilia Gruev’s Uncertain Future, and Farke’s Tactical Puzzle
Leeds United’s summer transfer business is turning heads — and for good reason.
Having narrowly missed out on Premier League promotion last season, the club, backed by 49ers Enterprises, is now executing an assertive recruitment strategy to ensure their return to the top flight doesn’t end in relegation. With Daniel Farke at the helm, Leeds are investing heavily in reshaping the squad — and perhaps nowhere is this transformation more evident than in central midfield.
The latest name added to the list is Anton Stach, a physically imposing, tactically sharp, and Bundesliga-proven holding midfielder who’s set to sign from TSG 1899 Hoffenheim in a deal worth £17.3 million plus add-ons. This follows the signing of Sean Longstaff and builds on a midfield already containing Ethan Ampadu, Ao Tanaka, Brenden Aaronson, and Ilia Gruev.
On paper, this injection of quality and depth should be celebrated. But as the midfield roster swells to six senior options — and with one more attack-minded addition reportedly on the radar — it has also sparked concern and speculation about potential casualties. Chief among them? Ilia Gruev, whose future at the club is suddenly uncertain.
🆕 Anton Stach: A Serious Upgrade in the Holding Role?
Stach’s profile is impressive. A 25-year-old German international with 80+ Bundesliga appearances and a standout 2022–23 campaign with Mainz, he joined Hoffenheim last season and continued to showcase his strengths: aerial dominance, tactical intelligence, and precise long passing. Standing 6’4” with a strong physical presence and positional awareness, he’s built for Premier League football.
His signing is not one of squad depth — it’s an assertive tactical upgrade. Daniel Farke has clearly identified a need for someone who can shield the back line, break up play, and impose control in the middle third. Stach brings Bundesliga experience, composure under pressure, and a higher ceiling than some of Leeds’ current midfielders.
His arrival coincides with a growing realization: Leeds are building for the rigors of the Premier League, not just survival. And that means competition will be fierce, especially in midfield.
⚙️ Tactical Landscape: Leeds United’s Midfield Hierarchy (Post-Stach Signing)
Let’s take a closer look at the current hierarchy of midfielders, considering their positions, roles, and likely usage:
Player Role Strengths Projected Role
Ethan Ampadu Deep-lying playmaker/DM Ball progression, leadership, composure Undroppable – likely starter
Anton Stach Defensive midfielder Interceptions, aerial duels, positioning Competes for starting DM
Ao Tanaka Box-to-box/CM Press resistance, off-ball movement Rotational starter
Sean Longstaff Central midfielder Engine, defensive work rate, Premier League IQ Key rotational piece
Brenden Aaronson Advanced/attacking midfielder Energy, pressing, forward runs Rotation in No. 10 role
Ilia Gruev Defensive midfielder Short passing, positional discipline At risk of being surplus
Add in:
Darko Gyabi – U21 England international; strong potential but needs minutes.
Charlie Crew – Youth player with promise.
Sam Greenwood – No. 10/deep playmaker hybrid, likely to feature in cups or on loan.
This group gives Farke flexibility: he can field a double pivot, a single holding midfielder, or a high-energy press with Tanaka and Aaronson further forward. But while that kind of depth may sound ideal, too many options in one area can become a liability, especially for players not guaranteed regular football.
And that brings us to Ilia Gruev.
⚠️ Ilia Gruev: From Key Contributor to Squad Casualty?
When Gruev signed from Werder Bremen for £4 million in the summer of 2023, few Leeds fans expected him to become one of the key midfield anchors in a promotion-chasing side. But that’s exactly what he did.
He ended the season with 46 starts in 60 appearances, often playing a steady, understated role at the base of midfield — breaking up play, recycling possession, and covering for Ampadu or Archie Gray when needed. His passing was clean, his positioning intelligent, and his attitude praised by Daniel Farke repeatedly throughout the season.
In October 2023, Farke had this to say:
“I’m really happy with Ilia. He has done fantastic. He came really late with little pre-season — really humble guy. I was tempted, because he is training at a top level, to unleash him beforehand… My gut feeling is he will play an important role for us.”
That “important role” proved true in the Championship. But now that Leeds are back in the Premier League, the question is whether Gruev has the tools to succeed at a higher level, where the pace is faster, the space tighter, and the physicality more demanding.
❌ Pre-Season Warnings?
Gruev’s performance in the pre-season friendly against Manchester United set off alarm bells among supporters. While friendly matches are rarely conclusive, fans were quick to note his limitations when faced with Premier League-caliber opposition. He was bypassed in midfield transitions, caught in possession, and struggled to keep up with United’s tempo.
Some of the more pointed fan reactions on social media included:
“Don’t mean to take the p— but we’re all seeing Gruev’s limitations here, right?”
“Stach, I need you more than I need air.”
“Wouldn’t be surprised to see Gruev leave this window.”
“Probably spells the end of Gruev.”
While supporters don’t pick the squad, such sentiments reflect growing public perception: Gruev may be the odd man out in a new-look midfield. And if Stach hits the ground running, Gruev’s minutes could evaporate quickly.
🔄 What Happens Next? The Three Most Likely Scenarios for Gruev
With Leeds stacking up options in the middle of the park, the club will soon face a decision regarding Ilia Gruev’s future. There are three logical outcomes:
- 🧗♂️ Stay and Compete
Gruev remains as a rotation piece, filling in during cup fixtures and offering a backup option at defensive midfield.
This would require him to accept a lesser role, possibly as third-choice DM behind Stach and Ampadu.
- 🔁 Loan Move
A season-long loan to a Championship club or mid-table Bundesliga side could benefit all parties.
He maintains match fitness and development, and Leeds preserve his resale value.
- 💸 Permanent Sale
If an offer comes in — potentially from Germany, Austria, or even Serie A — Leeds may choose to cash in, possibly doubling their investment from last summer.
The deal could include a sell-on clause or buyback option.
🧠 Daniel Farke’s Dilemma: Managing Talent Without Eroding Morale
Squad depth is essential in the Premier League, especially with domestic cups and inevitable injuries. But managing a bloated midfield can cause friction if not handled properly. Gruev’s professionalism has never been in question, but a lack of clarity around his role — or long spells on the bench — could demoralize a player who was once pivotal.
Farke has to walk a fine line:
Rotate enough to keep everyone sharp.
Set clear expectations for players like Gruev.
Avoid turning the dressing room into a source of frustration due to overcompetition.
⚽ Final Thoughts: A Midfield Built for the Premier League, But Not Without Cost
Leeds United are building something powerful this summer — a squad that not only looks capable of Premier League survival, but perhaps even a comfortable mid-table finish if key signings like Stach and Longstaff click quickly.
But in doing so, difficult decisions must be made. Players like Ilia Gruev, who were so important just 12 months ago, may find themselves squeezed out — not due to a drop in form, but because the club has moved on.
That’s the brutal reality of football at the highest level.
Gruev’s future will likely be decided before the end of the transfer window, and fans will be watching closely to see whether he stays, leaves, or becomes a squad player fighting for scraps of minutes. Whatever the outcome, his contribution to Leeds’ journey back to the Premier League shouldn’t be forgotten.