NafisaLeeds United ended their pre-season in emphatic fashion on Saturday, putting four goals past Bundesliga side Augsburg in a performance that offered Daniel Farke plenty of encouragement ahead of the Premier League opener.
There was plenty for supporters to celebrate.
The attacking play was sharp, the team looked increasingly comfortable in Farke’s system and Tarik Muharemovic produced one of the standout moments of the afternoon with a spectacular overhead kick.
Yet, away from the goals and the excitement on the pitch, another story was quietly developing.
One Leeds United defender was left watching the entire game from the bench.
That decision became even more significant when Farke revealed after the final whistle that something could happen involving the player within the next 24 to 48 hours.
Now, the latest developments suggest Leeds have already prepared for what comes next.
Nico Elvedi deal moves closer
For several days, Borussia Monchengladbach defender Nico Elvedi has been identified as Leeds’ preferred option to replace Sebastiaan Bornauw.
That pursuit has now taken another major step forward.
According to Florian Plettenberg, Leeds have reached an agreement with Borussia Monchengladbach for Elvedi, with the transfer understood to be worth around £8.5 million.
Gladbach will also reportedly retain a 15 per cent sell-on clause.
A medical is being prepared for the Switzerland international, with Elvedi expected to sign a three-year contract at Elland Road.
The development is significant because it effectively clears the path for Bornauw to leave Leeds.
And there is already a destination waiting.
Sebastiaan Bornauw set to leave Leeds:
Bornauw’s future has been uncertain for much of the summer, despite playing a prominent role during parts of pre-season.
The 27-year-old was an unused substitute during the 4-0 victory over Augsburg, with Farke’s comments afterwards only adding to the speculation.
“Something will happen in the next 24 or 48 hours,” the Leeds boss indicated, according to Leeds Live.
That prediction now appears to be coming true.
Plettenberg has reported that Bornauw is set to join Hamburg on loan with an option to buy, with the purchase option reportedly worth between £3.4 million and £4.3 million.
His medical is scheduled for Monday.
If everything goes according to plan, Bornauw’s time at Elland Road will therefore come to an end after only one season.
Leeds could regret not demanding a permanent transfer
There is an obvious positive for Leeds.
If Elvedi arrives and Bornauw departs, Farke will have successfully overseen another defensive reshuffle without leaving himself short at centre-back.
However, the structure of Bornauw’s exit is likely to leave some supporters frustrated.
A loan with an option to buy does not provide Leeds with the same certainty as a permanent transfer.
If Bornauw struggles in Germany or suffers an injury, Hamburg could simply decide against triggering the clause and Leeds would potentially have another unwanted player returning next summer.
On the other hand, if the Belgian enjoys an outstanding campaign and his value increases significantly, Leeds could find themselves having already agreed a relatively modest purchase price.
It is therefore difficult to see a clear scenario where the arrangement represents perfect business for the Whites.
Elvedi gives Farke another experienced option:
The more encouraging aspect for Leeds is how quickly they have responded to the situation.
The speculation surrounding Bornauw’s departure intensified rapidly, yet the club appears to have already identified and secured his replacement.
Elvedi brings extensive Bundesliga experience and has worked with Farke before during the German manager’s time at Monchengladbach.
That familiarity could be particularly valuable as Leeds prepare for another demanding Premier League campaign.
The Swiss international will also arrive with the experience needed to compete immediately for a starting role.
The big question now is whether he can push Joe Rodon and Jaka Bijol for a place in Farke’s preferred XI.
There is one obvious complication.
While Elvedi has been preparing for the new campaign with Monchengladbach, Leeds supporters have not yet seen him train or play within Farke’s current system.
That could mean he needs time to adjust.
Leeds still have work to do
The Elvedi agreement represents another positive step, but it does not solve every problem in Farke’s squad.
Leeds still need greater depth in other areas, with the goalkeeper and left-back positions among those requiring attention.
That is where some supporters may feel the club needs to show the same urgency it has demonstrated in the centre-back position.
For now, though, the defensive picture is becoming much clearer.
Bornauw appears to be heading back to Germany, while Elvedi is preparing to make the move in the opposite direction.
And after Farke’s cryptic warning following the Augsburg victory, the next 24 to 48 hours could finally bring confirmation that one Leeds defender is leaving Elland Road — just as his replacement prepares to walk through the door.
Nafisa
