How Nico Elvedi compares to Pascal Struijk as Leeds United seek replacement

Nico Elvedi could be Leeds United's answer to the exit of Pascal Struijk.

The Whites confirmed the exit of their star Dutchman recently, who joined fellow Premier League side Brighton in a package deal worth £20million.

Struijk was about to enter the final 12 months of his deal at Elland Road, and so a sale became important after he made the decision to seek a new challenge this summer.

Leeds admitted that the departure of the centre-back helped them stay in line with PSR regulations, something Paraag Marathe has already warned supporters about.

Now, Daniel Farke will require a new centre-half to make up for the exit of a player who was a constant starter in the Premier League last season.

Leeds have had their eyes on Borussia Monchengladbach's Elvedi, and he could be who the Whites go all out for now.

Nico Elvedi and Pascal Struijk - stat comparison

Leeds have been linked with multiple centre-backs already this window, but Elvedi appears to be firmly in their thoughts.

The Whites have shown they are willing to adapt their transfer policy this summer, as seen in the chase for Julian Brandt and Harry Wilson, age not much of a worry this window.

Elvedi is in his prime at the age of 29, which means he may not develop much more like Struijk can.

However, when comparing the two and how they each performed in their respective league competitions last season, it makes for interesting reading.

Elvedi made 0.18 more successful tackles last season, with a better clearances per 90 rate at 8.19, compared to Struijk's 6.34.

The Leeds target also completed an average of 1.24 interceptions per game, while Struijk made just 0.95.

However, the former Leeds man showed better ability on the ball than Elvedi, completing 0.42 more accurate long balls per 90 minutes, and a 0.09 improvement when performing dribbles.

But the financial aspect of these deals was always going to be crucial for Leeds.

Leeds could sign Elvedi and have money left over

Leeds already made a £7.3m offer for Elvedi, which his parent club were left unhappy with.

It's said that Borussia Monchengladbach want to make as much as possible for their defender, whose contract expires with the Bundesliga side in less than a year.

However, it's highly unlikely that the Swiss star will cost anywhere near as much as what Leeds received for Struijk.

That being said, the Whites could sign his replacement for cheaper, and though he doesn't have long-term value, it could be a smart short-term option.

Leeds are clearly more content to make short-term moves this summer, but they will not overpay for Elvedi.