After securing survival in the Premier League last season, the 2026/27 campaign presents a huge opportunity for Leeds United to reach the next level in their development.

Daniel Farke has done a tremendous job at Elland Road over recent years and deserves the chance to make the Whites a force to be reckoned with in England’s top-flight.

The arrival of Harry Wilson showcases the ambition of the 49ers to push the club further up the table next term - subsequently beating Europa League winners Aston Villa to his signature.

His tally of 17 combined goals and assists in the Premier League last term is evidence of the 29-year-old’s quality within the attacking third of the pitch.

There’s hope he can emulate one player in being a monster hit with the supporters during his first season in Yorkshire.

How Stach compared to Premier League midfielders last season

After joining from Hoffenheim for a reported £18m last summer, midfielder Anton Stach was tasked with adding needed top-level quality to the Leeds midfield.

The 27-year-old made a huge impact at both ends of the pitch in Yorkshire, subsequently registering eight combined goals and assists - including numerous Goal of the Season contenders.

His tally of 2.1 shots per 90 in the Premier League was the third highest of anyone in Farke’s squad - a tally also higher than 98% of other midfielders in the division.

However, without the ball, Stach was just as impressive last term, as seen by his tally of 62% aerials won - also placing him in the top 15% of all midfielders in the league.

The German’s tally of 10.1 defensive contributions per 90 - also the highest in the Whites squad - made him a tremendous ball-winning option for Farke’s men.

Such a figure also placed him in the top 25% of all players in England for 2025/26 - further reaffirming his talent without the ball at his feet in the Premier League.

The £18m transfer fee for his signature now looks to be a phenomenal piece of business, and one which may be emulated during this summer’s transfer business.

The £25m star who could be Leeds’ next Stach

The summer transfer window does present the next opportunity for the hierarchy to land their next version of the German midfielder - but talents like him are hard to come by.

Farke’s men have already done their due diligence on a whole host of players across the continent, which has led to a deal advancing for one player in recent days.

It’s been reported by the Daily Mail that the Whites have once again entered talks with Southampton over the potential signing of midfielder Shea Charles.

They also state that the player himself would be open to a move to Elland Road this window - but a deal can only take place if the £25m asking price is met.

A deal for the Northern Irish international would hand Farke the added quality he’s hunting for at the centre of his side, with the youngster also a very similar talent to Stach.

The 22-year-old is also an excellent box-to-box midfield option, as seen by his remarkable figures from his most recent campaign in the Championship.

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.

However, with the ball at his feet, Charles also managed to catch the eye, subsequently 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.

Charles’ similarity to Stach also stretches to his goalscoring ability, as he too also found the back of the net with a Goal of the Season contender last campaign.

£25m on a midfielder of the Northern Irishman’s quality could prove to be a phenomenal deal this summer, especially considering he’s still just 22 years of age.

He’s more than capable of making the step up to the Premier League and forming an excellent partnership at the heart of the Leeds side with Stach.

Should he get near the levels produced by the German in Yorkshire, the deal will be one which could have a huge impact on the club’s league standing in 2026/27.