Nico Elvedi clause confusion explained as Leeds United back in for 'reliable' gem

Nico Elvedi is once again seemingly on Leeds United's transfer radar.

The Borussia Monchengladbach defender has been linked with a move to Elland Road on multiple occasions in the past.

That is perhaps not that surprising given he previously worked with Daniel Farke at Gladbach.

Reports from Germany suggest Elvedi - hailed as "an absolutely reliable figure for years" by Gladbach sporting director Roland Virkus - is again wanted by Leeds.

Leeds are said to be ready to offer £7.3million for the centre-back, leading to some confusion amid talk of a release clause being in play.

But it is not as straightforward as that, as MOT Leeds News now explains.

Nico Elvedi release clause a thing of the past

It has been reported that Elvedi has a release clause of around £8million in his contract.

That makes talk of a Leeds bid £700,000 below that mark a little surprising.

If they truly want Elvedi, surely the Whites would be willing to hand over what is effectively spare change in today's market?

However, that release clause no longer exists. Nor has it since July 2024.

The 29-year-old was gettable for that relatively small price until that point, but it is now up to Gladbach to determine his asking price.

The question now is whether the sum Leeds are willing to go to is in the same region the German side are thinking.

What would Elvedi bring to Leeds?

Firstly, the obvious advantage is that Farke already knows Elvedi and what his strengths - and indeed weaknesses - are.

Beyond that, Elvedi is incredibly experienced, having made over 300 Bundesliga appearances - not the mention his 69 Switzerland caps.

At 29, he is now at what should be the peak years of his career and that is something Farke would love more of.

In terms of his playing style, he led the way at Gladbach in the Bundesliga last season for clearances per game (8.2). That was double the next closest.

He also led the way for blocks with 0.9 per game, so he is clearly a no-nonsense type of defender.

Factor in his team-high 92 per cent pass completion rate, and you can see exactly why Farke wants him.

While he may not have that release clause anymore, he still appears to be available for what is a relatively cheap fee all things considered.