NafisaLeeds United are closing in on another late piece of transfer business, with Daniel Farke looking set to add much-needed versatility to his defensive options.
The Whites have already invested heavily this summer and have made an encouraging start to the new campaign, winning two and drawing one of their opening three matches across all competitions while conceding just once.
However, Farke has made it clear that he wants to remain alert to opportunities before the transfer window closes, particularly with the squad still lacking natural depth in certain positions.
That has made the latest development particularly interesting, with Leeds now pushing ahead of competition from Premier League rivals for a defender who could solve more than one problem at Elland Road.
The player in question has spent his entire senior career in France and has already built up considerable experience in Ligue 1. He has also earned praise from teammates for his consistency and work ethic, while his ability to operate in more than one defensive position has made him an attractive option.
Most importantly for Leeds, he could provide cover at left-back while also being capable of filling in at centre-back if required.
According to L’Equipe, Leeds have had a proposal accepted by OGC Nice for Melvin Bard, with the agreement reportedly structured as a €1 million loan containing a €5 million (£4m) option to buy.
Journalist Mike McGrath has also reported that Bard is travelling to England to undergo his medical ahead of the move, suggesting the deal is now edging towards completion.
The 25-year-old has made 168 Ligue 1 appearances across spells with Nice and Lyon, meaning Leeds would not be bringing in an inexperienced youngster simply to provide numbers.
Bard also appears to have admirers within the Nice dressing room. Teammate Ali Abdi previously praised him towards the end of the 2024/25 campaign, saying: “Melvin has been excellent. He’s a player who… (interrupts)… I think he deserves a chance with the French national team. He’s a player who deserves it because he works hard.”
His defensive numbers underline why Leeds have been interested. Bard averaged 1.5 interceptions per 90 minutes last season, which ranked second-highest within the Nice squad.
There has also been competition for his signature. Coventry City and West Ham United have both been linked with the defender, while L’Equipe reported that West Ham submitted an offer of their own.
But Leeds now appear to have stolen a march on their rivals.
The structure of the proposed deal could also make sense for Farke. Rather than committing immediately to a significant permanent transfer, Leeds can bring Bard in, assess how he adapts to English football and then decide whether to trigger the €5m option.
That could prove particularly useful given the competition already present in Farke’s defence.
Tarik Muharemovic, Jaka Bijol, Joe Rodon and Nico Elvedi are all senior centre-back options, while James Justin has been covering at left-back. Bard’s ability to play in both areas would therefore give Farke another useful tactical option as the season develops.
And with Leeds already looking increasingly difficult to break down, the French defender would be arriving at a particularly interesting time.
The Whites have conceded just once in their opening three matches, but Farke knows the Premier League campaign is a long one and injuries and suspensions can quickly expose a thin squad.
Bard could therefore represent more than just another late signing.
For a relatively modest initial outlay, Leeds appear close to landing a proven Ligue 1 defender who can cover two positions and potentially become a permanent part of Farke’s squad.
With the medical now reportedly being lined up, the unexpected Elland Road move is beginning to look very real.
Nafisa
