NafisaLeeds United’s search for a new central defender has become one of the club’s biggest priorities following the departure of Pascal Struijk earlier this summer.
Daniel Farke and the recruitment team have been working relentlessly behind the scenes to identify a player capable of stepping straight into one of the most important roles in the squad.
Replacing a defender of Struijk’s quality was never expected to be straightforward. Leeds have assessed several options across Europe in recent weeks, with the club determined to bring in someone who already possesses top-level experience rather than gambling on an unproven prospect.
As the transfer window continues to gather pace, one long-standing target now appears increasingly willing to make the switch to Elland Road.
According to reports from Football Insider, Swiss international Nico Elvedi has opened the door to joining Leeds United after indicating he would welcome a move to West Yorkshire this summer.
The experienced Borussia Monchengladbach defender has emerged as one of Daniel Farke’s preferred candidates to replace Pascal Struijk, with the Leeds boss already knowing the player well from their previous time together in Germany.
Elvedi recently represented Switzerland during their impressive FIFA World Cup campaign, helping his country reach the quarter-finals before their elimination against Argentina.
Now that international duty has come to an end, discussions surrounding his club future are expected to accelerate.
Football Insider reports that the 29-year-old is open to completing a Premier League move and is optimistic an agreement with Leeds can eventually be reached.
The centre-back has entered the final year of his contract at Borussia Monchengladbach, leaving the Bundesliga club increasingly resigned to losing him before the start of the new season.
Leeds have already tested the German side’s resolve with an opening proposal, although that bid was rejected.
However, the Whites are not walking away from negotiations and are widely expected to return with an improved offer in an effort to finally secure Farke’s defensive priority.
Farke’s relationship with Elvedi could prove to be one of the decisive factors throughout negotiations.
Having previously worked together at Borussia Monchengladbach, the Leeds manager is fully aware of the defender’s qualities and believes he would adapt quickly to life in English football.
Speaking on Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, the situation was explained in greater detail.
«”There’s been talk that they’ve had one offer rejected by Monchengladbach already this summer.»
«”Elvedi would be somebody who would be a good fit for Leeds because obviously Daniel Farke has worked with him previously at Borussia Monchengladbach.»
«”Elvedi, if the opportunity was to come along, I’m sure he would be interested in a move to the Premier League and Leeds United as well.»
«”He’s got one year left on his contract, and Monchengladbach will be keeping a close eye on his performances at the World Cup to raise his price tag in that respect.»
«”But the German club are resigned to the player moving on this summer due to his contract situation.»
«”But the worry for Leeds will be is if he continues to impress for Switzerland that other teams might come to the table for him as well.”»
Leeds are understood to be ready to reinvest a significant portion of the reported £20 million received from Pascal Struijk’s transfer, with strengthening the heart of the defence viewed as essential before the Premier League season begins.
Although competition could still emerge from elsewhere in Europe, Leeds remain confident they are firmly in the race, particularly with Elvedi believed to be open to the move and interested in finally testing himself in the Premier League under Daniel Farke.
Nafisa
