NafisaLeeds United have made another late move in the transfer market, with Daniel Farke’s side closing in on an affordable solution to one of the positions that has lacked natural depth at Elland Road.
The Yorkshire club have already made significant changes to their squad this summer, bringing in a number of players as they prepare for another Premier League campaign. However, despite the strength of their earlier business, there have still been concerns over whether Farke has enough cover in certain areas.
That concern has become particularly relevant at left-back, where Leeds have been forced to manage their options carefully.
The Whites have not been expected to make wholesale changes in the final hours of the transfer window, but the situation has left them looking for opportunities that can improve the squad without committing to another major permanent outlay.
And it appears they have found one.
According to L’Equipe, Leeds have reached an agreement to sign Nice left-back Melvin Bard on loan for the season.
The deal is understood to include an option to make the move permanent, giving Leeds the chance to assess the French defender in English football before deciding whether to commit to a longer-term transfer.
Leeds will reportedly pay €1million for the loan, while the option to buy has been set at €5million.
That represents a relatively modest investment for a Premier League club, particularly considering Leeds’ need for greater depth in the position.
The Whites are understood to have beaten West Ham to Bard’s signature, with the defender now set to make his first move outside France after spending his entire senior career in his homeland.
Bard came through the Lyon academy before establishing himself in Ligue 1 and subsequently moving to Nice. His experience at the top level of French football has made him an attractive option for Leeds as they look to add competition and cover to their defensive ranks.
The structure of the deal could also prove important for Farke.
Rather than committing a sizeable transfer fee immediately, Leeds have secured the opportunity to see how Bard adapts to the demands of the Premier League before making a final decision.
It gives the club flexibility while strengthening an area that has been identified as needing additional cover.
The move comes after Leeds recently agreed a deal for Eintracht Frankfurt goalkeeper Michael Zetterer, who is expected to provide competition behind James Trafford.
Farke’s squad has already undergone a significant transformation this summer, with several players departing while the club have invested heavily in new arrivals.
Tarek Muharemovic, Trafford, Nico Elvedi and Harry Wilson have all arrived, while Zetterer is also heading to Elland Road.
Leeds have also started the Premier League season positively, recording a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest before drawing 1-1 with Brentford. They also progressed in the EFL Cup after beating Forest 2-0.
However, the late business could yet have an attacking dimension too.
Leeds have been pursuing Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk throughout the window, but their hopes of landing the Ukraine international now appear to have suffered a major blow.
The Whites had previously explored a loan move for Mudryk, although their approach was rejected and Leeds were subsequently no longer considered a viable destination.
Despite maintaining an interest in the 25-year-old, Leeds have now seen Tottenham make significant progress.
Spurs have agreed a deal to bring Mudryk in on loan for the season, meaning Farke may have to turn his attention elsewhere if he wants another attacking addition before the deadline.
For now, though, Leeds appear to have addressed one of the more obvious weaknesses in their squad.
Bard offers Farke another natural option at left-back, while the loan structure means Leeds have not taken a major financial gamble.
With only hours remaining before the transfer window closes, the Frenchman could become the latest addition to a Leeds squad that looks very different from the one Farke had at his disposal last season.
And if Bard settles quickly in Yorkshire, that €5million option could eventually turn what looks like a short-term solution into another permanent piece of Farke’s rebuild.
Nafisa
