Elvedi connection can help take Leeds to the Premier League
Leeds United can ensure the squad depth required for a return to the Premier League if they sign Nico Elvedi in January.
The Whites have been credited with a significant interest in the £10million-rated defender from Borussia Monchengladbach [GiveMeSport, 31 December], who Farke previously worked with in the Bundesliga.
Elvedi, 28, is also wanted by Wolves in the top flight but could trust a move to reunite with previous coach Farke, having been at Gladbach for a decade.
According to TEAMtalk (1 January), the Whites may look to wait until the summer to add Elvedi to their squad with Farke reportedly happy with what he has, but a crucial dose of defensive depth could just be the golden ticket to going one better than last year and returning to the top table.
Leeds United must take advantage of connection for Elvedi
Farke took the reins at Gladbach between 2022 and 2023 prior to arriving at Elland Road, and has consequently built a further book of contacts in the Bundesliga.
Max Wober went the other way in a loan move last season, and along with Brenden Aaronson is the only returning loanee from last summer to have made any sort of impact back at Elland Road in a replenished squad.
Elvedi joined Gladbach as a teenager from hometown club Zurich, and has gone on to become a club legend having competed in European football in four out of his 10 seasons at Borussia-Park.
The centre-back, who can also operate on the right of the defence with what would be a key demonstration of versatility in the Leeds squad, has also steadily scooped 56 full caps for Switzerland.
Beyond Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk and Wober, Leeds’ out-and-out centre-back options dip into youth – which is fine for guidance and experience, but not to rely upon in a promotion charge; defender Japhet Tanganga, 25, of Millwall is also an experienced name recently linked [The Express, 31 December].
For Leeds to stretch the pursestrings and lure Elvedi from the club he has represented for a decade, for a fee potentially into eight figures, would be a show of commitment to outright sealing their place in the Premier League for next term.
In other Leeds news, Neil Redfearn defends a Whites forward angry at being substituted v Blackburn Rovers.
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