NafisaDaniel Farke has given Leeds United supporters another major reason for optimism after Saturday’s emphatic 4-0 victory over Augsburg, with the manager revealing that the club are now extremely close to completing another important piece of transfer business.
The Whites have already been active this summer, bringing in Harry Wilson, Tarik Muharemovic and James Trafford as Farke looks to build a squad capable of competing comfortably in the Premier League.
But the German has made it clear that the work is not finished.
And after Leeds’ latest pre-season victory, Farke provided a significant update on two defenders whose futures have been moving in opposite directions.
Daniel Farke provides major Nico Elvedi update
Nico Elvedi’s move to Elland Road now appears to be approaching its final stages.
Leeds have agreed a deal to sign the Borussia Monchengladbach defender, with the Switzerland international set to undergo his medical before completing his move to Yorkshire.
Farke knows Elvedi particularly well, having worked with him during his time in charge of Gladbach.
The 29-year-old has made more than 300 Bundesliga appearances and has 73 international caps for Switzerland, giving Leeds another highly experienced option at the heart of their defence.
Speaking after the 4-0 win over Augsburg, Farke admitted that the transfer is now “pretty, pretty close”.
“We are pretty, pretty close that something happens,” Farke told reporters after full-time.
“I got also the information just before kickoff that something could also happen also to Sebastiaan right now.”
Farke was careful not to officially confirm anything before the relevant paperwork and medicals are completed, but his comments made it clear that Leeds are expecting movement very soon.
“I’m working too long in football, so I know that everything is just sealed when medical fields are done and everything is signed,” he added.
“I just speak about new players once they’re really official and not everything is settled.
“But I don’t want to lie, so we also expect that something will happen in the next 48 hours.”
That represents a huge boost for Leeds supporters, particularly with Elvedi expected to provide additional experience and leadership at the back.
Sebastiaan Bornauw set to leave Leeds
The other major development concerns Sebastiaan Bornauw.
The Belgian defender was included in Leeds’ matchday squad against Augsburg but remained on the bench, with Farke revealing that there had been developments regarding his future before kick-off.
Bornauw only joined Leeds last summer for around £5million but struggled to establish himself as a regular starter.
He made just five Premier League starts during his first season in England and now appears to be heading towards the exit door.
Farke indicated that Bornauw’s departure could happen within hours rather than weeks.
“Something could also happen also to Sebastiaan right now,” the Leeds boss said.
“It looks like it’s very likely that something will happen in the next hours or next 24 or 48 hours.”
The manager also explained why Bornauw was kept around the squad despite the uncertainty surrounding his future.
“We decided also to keep it quiet and let him be involved in the squad because we didn’t want to have any distraction. But my decision was also to let him on the bench.”
The comments suggest that Leeds are now preparing for a significant change in their defensive options.
Elvedi looks set to replace Bornauw
The timing of the two developments is unlikely to be a coincidence.
With Bornauw preparing to depart, Elvedi is expected to arrive as his replacement and give Farke another experienced centre-back to work with.
Leeds have already strengthened their defence with the arrival of Tarik Muharemovic, who joined in a major summer deal, but Farke clearly believes further depth is required.
Elvedi would give the manager a player capable of operating in different defensive systems while also bringing considerable Bundesliga and European experience.
More importantly, Farke already knows exactly what he is getting.
The Leeds boss worked with Elvedi at Gladbach and previously spoke extremely highly of the defender, describing him as an “absolute leader” and suggesting he could be one of the best central defenders in Europe when performing at his best.
That existing relationship could make Elvedi’s transition to English football considerably easier.
For a Leeds side entering another Premier League season with ambitions of becoming more than just relegation survivors, that experience could prove invaluable.
Leeds still have work to do
Elvedi would become Leeds’ fourth major signing of the summer if the move is completed, following Wilson, Muharemovic and Trafford through the door.
But Farke has made it clear that there is still more business to conduct.
Leeds continue to monitor the market for further reinforcements, particularly in attacking areas, while Lucas Perri’s expected departure could also leave the club needing additional goalkeeping cover.
The left-back position is another area where Farke would like more depth.
For now, though, the biggest developments are happening at centre-back.
Bornauw appears increasingly likely to leave Elland Road, while Elvedi is closing in on becoming the latest arrival.
And after watching his side dismantle Augsburg 4-0, Farke has given Leeds fans perhaps the clearest indication yet that another important transfer is about to be completed.
Nafisa
