Published Jul 30, 2026, 7:10 PM GMT+1

Ethan is a feature and opinion journalist at Football FanCast.

He studied Football Journalism at the University of Derby, undertaking roles such as media assistant for Non-League side Mickleover Sports and EFL reporter for VAVEL.

Upon graduating in 2023, Ethan spent six months at GRV Media as a Premier League journalist, before joining FootballFanCast in February 2024.

Ethan is an avid Nottingham Forest supporter and season ticket holder, who also holds a keen interest in Formula One.

He covers a host of sides from Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, to Leeds and clubs across the Midlands such as Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa. He particularly enjoys producing analytical content.

Daniel Farke himself even stressed the importance of being ambitious this window, and it’s safe to say the 49ers have answered his calls for quality additions.

Harry Wilson has arrived on a free transfer after leaving Fulham, whilst centre-back Tarik Muharemovic has also joined in a £34m deal from Sassuolo.

James Trafford looks certain to be the Whites’ next addition after a £40m deal was agreed with Manchester City - with the hope that all of the aforementioned stars can emulate one player’s success from 2025/26.

Why Anton Stach was Leeds' most valuable player in 2025/26

Upon his £18m move from Hoffenheim last summer, very few Leeds supporters would have known much about midfielder Anton Stach - but it’s safe to say he’s captured their hearts within the first 12 months.

The German star featured in 29 top-flight games for Farke’s side last term, subsequently registering eight combined goals and assists - the third highest of any player within the senior ranks.

His efforts gained the Whites six extra points in their hunt for survival, with his impact preventing the club from a relegation battle during the closing stages of the campaign.

Stach also produced some mind-boggling stats which highlight his importance to Farke’s side - with his figures no doubt reflecting why he was so influential at the heart of the side.

The 27-year-old created a staggering 2.4 chances in the Premier League last term - with such a tally the highest of any player in the squad, and placed him in the top 5% of players in the division.

Even without the ball, the German was a dominant force at the heart of the Whites' side, subsequently winning the most ground duels and making the most defensive contributions per 90.

However, who could forget his countless moments of magic in attacking areas - which often saw him find the back of the net from distance, as seen against Aston Villa and Wolves.

How Leeds can land their next Stach this summer

Despite the heavy spending over recent weeks, Leeds will still be on the lookout for shrewd additions who can make a similar impact to Stach at Elland Road.

Countless names have been mentioned with a move to Yorkshire this window, but one name refuses to go away after a saga which feels like it’s been dragging on for months.

Farke’s men have returned to the drawing board and have once again made their ambitions clear about completing a deal for Southampton midfielder Shea Charles.

Journalist Graham Smyth has provided the latest on the deal for the 22-year-old, claiming that Leeds have presented their final offer to Tonder Ekert’s side.

He also claims that the Whites have already had two separate bids rejected for the Northern Ireland international, with a £25m fee mooted for his signature.

It’s clear after their attempts already this summer that Farke sees the player as one who can make the step up to the Premier League and become a key member of his squad.

Charles massively caught the eye for the Saints during their controversial second-tier campaign last term, with his stats and playstyle showcasing why he could emulate Stach’s success at Elland Road.

His tally of 6.4 ground duels won per 90 and 1.3 interceptions made per 90 both rank him in the top 20% of all midfielders in Europe for the 2025/26 season.

Such numbers are comparable to those of the German star, who, as previously mentioned, caught the eye with his dominant displays without the ball in Yorkshire.

However, with the ball at his feet, Charles also managed to catch the eye, subsequently completing more dribbles than 90% of other players in England’s second tier.

Finding a teammate also hasn’t been an issue for the youngster, as he completed 86% of his attempted passes last term, whilst creating 1.2 chances per 90.

Such numbers may be slightly below those of Stach, but they highlight his talent in possession and could reach the next level in his development, featuring alongside the Leeds fan-favourite.

Charles’ similarity to Stach is also evident in his remarkable ball-striking ability, which saw him net a Goal of the Season contender against Oxford United last term.

There’s no denying the step up from the Championship to the Premier League is becoming bigger and bigger - but Charles is a player who is more than capable of thriving at the top level.

His numbers certainly make for good reading and demonstrate his all-round ability at the heart of the side - which could see him emulate Stach’s success over a sustained period upon any move this window.