NafisaLeeds United appear to be preparing for another significant change at the heart of Daniel Farke’s defence, with the club stepping up their pursuit of a highly experienced Bundesliga defender.
The Whites have already been busy strengthening their squad this summer, but Farke’s work is clearly not finished yet.
While attention has largely focused on the attacking areas and further additions elsewhere, the potential departure of Sebastiaan Bornauw has created another issue that Leeds now need to address.
Bornauw has been linked with a return to Germany after just one season in Yorkshire, and his possible departure would leave Leeds needing another option in central defence.
That is where an experienced name from Farke’s past has emerged.
Leeds agree personal terms with Bundesliga defender
According to Sky Germany, Leeds have reached a full agreement with Nico Elvedi over personal terms on a contract that would run until 2029.
That does not mean the transfer is completed, however.
Leeds still need to reach an agreement with Borussia Mönchengladbach, with the German club yet to receive a formal offer.
Reports suggest that Leeds are preparing an opening bid, with Gladbach understood to be willing to listen if their valuation is met.
The Mail has reported a potential fee of around £8.2 million, having previously indicated that Leeds had considered a move worth approximately £7m before the World Cup.
For a defender with Elvedi’s experience, that could prove to be a very attractive deal for Farke’s side.
Farke already knows exactly what Elvedi can offer
There is another reason why this particular target makes sense for Leeds.
Elvedi is not an unknown quantity to Farke.
The Switzerland international worked under the Leeds boss during Farke’s time at Borussia Mönchengladbach in the 2022/23 season.
Elvedi made 34 appearances under Farke during that campaign, giving the Leeds manager first-hand knowledge of his qualities, versatility and mentality.
And his experience is difficult to ignore.
The 29-year-old has made 364 appearances for Gladbach, including 17 in the Champions League.
He can also operate comfortably in a back four or as part of a back three, giving Farke tactical flexibility depending on the opposition.
That versatility could be particularly valuable for Leeds as they continue adapting to the demands of Premier League football.
Bornauw departure could accelerate the move
The timing of Leeds’ interest is also significant.
Bornauw is reportedly considering a return to Germany after one season with the Whites, with Hamburger SV among the clubs linked with his signature.
Farke has already indicated that he respects Bornauw’s situation and understands the defender’s desire for regular football.
Should the Belgian leave Elland Road, Leeds would naturally need to find a replacement.
Elvedi appears to have emerged as the leading solution.
The Swiss defender has reportedly decided that he would like to make the move to England, meaning Leeds have seemingly already cleared one of the major hurdles involved in a transfer.
The remaining issue is getting Gladbach to agree.
No official bid has been made yet
Despite the growing optimism around the move, Leeds supporters should not get carried away just yet.
There has reportedly been no formal offer submitted to Gladbach at this stage, meaning the two clubs have not yet entered concrete negotiations.
Leeds are expected to change that soon.
Gladbach know Elvedi’s contract currently runs until 2027, meaning the upcoming season represents an important opportunity to generate a significant transfer fee rather than risk entering the final year of his deal.
That could encourage the German club to negotiate.
The player himself appears open to the move, while Leeds have already established his willingness to join.
Now the two clubs have to find common ground.
Elvedi could transform Leeds’ defensive options:
Should the deal eventually go through, Elvedi would bring something Leeds currently lack in abundance: enormous experience at the highest level of German football.
He has spent a decade at Borussia Mönchengladbach since arriving from FC Zürich in 2015 and has experienced domestic competition, European football and Champions League nights.
He also offers tactical flexibility.
That could make him particularly attractive to Farke, who knows exactly how to utilise him.
At 29, Elvedi is entering his peak years rather than arriving as a long-term development project.
And with a reported price tag of around £8.2m, Leeds could potentially be getting a ready-made Premier League defender without having to spend a huge portion of their transfer budget.
There is still work to be done before the move can be called a done deal.
But with Elvedi apparently keen, Farke already familiar with the player and Gladbach willing to consider a sale, Leeds have plenty of reasons to be optimistic.
If Bornauw does eventually wave goodbye to Yorkshire, it appears the Whites have already identified the man they want to fill the void.
Nafisa
