(Credit: Imago/Hasan Karim)
Sat 9 August 2025 17:10, UK
Leeds United drew 1-1 in their final pre-season friendly against AC Milan.
Santiago Gimenez opened the scoring in Dublin, with Anton Stach’s screamer securing a draw for the Whites in their final pre-season friendly.
Daniel Farke will have drawn plenty of positives from the clash despite the result, and will have learned a lot about his players ahead of their return to the Premier League.
With that in mind, MOT Leeds News highlights three talking points from Saturday’s match.
Leeds United boss, Daniel Farke (Credit: Imago)Leeds have new cult figure in Stach
The Whites have invested a healthy amount of money into their midfield this summer, and Stach looks to be a great pickup.
Stach’s game in numbers
- One goal
- 89 per cent pass accuracy
- 73 touches
- Four recoveries
- Six defensive actions
He was everywhere on the pitch, and very early opened the scoring, had it not been for his effort being a few inches too high.
The German went on to score the equalising goal in the second half, with a screamer from long distance.
Stach showcased immense composure on the ball, and if Leeds can keep him fit, he will play a massive role in the Premier League.
Stach looks to be a gem for Leeds (Credit: Imago)Joel Piroe can not start for Leeds
The Dutchman has had a fine pre-season, but it is clear that he lacks the natural instinct in front of goal, which is what Leeds need to survive.
His link-up play was promising, but he looks far more suited to play in the 10 role, albeit in the current formation, that doesn’t exist.
Nevertheless, it is going to be crucial that the Whites accelerate their search for a new centre-forward this week, with Rodrigo Muniz still the most likely to make the move.
Jack Harisson returned to Leeds after a loan at Everton (Credit: Imago)Leeds fans clearly against Jack Harrison after Milan scenes
Jack Harrison isn’t a popular man at Leeds United and has already been the victim of boos from the Whites supporters when they faced Man United earlier this summer.
The same happened again against Milan as the winger was warming up in the first half, with Graham Smyth insisting he was “taking it well” in a post shared via X.
Every time Jack Harrison runs down the touchline towards the stand behind Perri’s goal there’s booing. He seems to be taking it well.
0-1#lufc
— Graham Smyth (@GrahamSmyth) August 9, 2025
View Tweet
It seems as though there is no way back for the forward at Elland Road, and Farke would be unsettling a large portion of the fanbase by including him.
If Leeds offload Harrison as they should, they would save a fortune from his wages alone, while adding more finances to the bank to go out and seal a replacement.
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