Why now is the perfect time for Leeds United to secure Nico Elvedi transfer

Leeds United are in need of another centre-back and Nico Elvedi is one of those contenders.

The departure of Pascal Struijk has left Daniel Farke's side light in the central defensive department.

As things stand, there are only three natural senior centre-backs at Elland Road - Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw

However, Elvedi could be the man to replace the already departed Dutchman, who joined Brighton.

Struijk will be a missed figure, and the Peacocks need to get their recruitment right in order to replace him.

And Leeds may have the most optimal time to test Borussia Monchengladbach's resolve over Elvedi.

How likely is Nico Elvedi to leave the Bundesliga this summer?

With Leeds holding interest in Elvedi, the question on fans minds will be how plausible is his exit.

Well, local Swiss media appear to suggest that the likelihood of that exit is quite high, despite him being in North America.

Swiss newspaper Sonntagsblick has reported in its print edition that Elvedi's transfer out of Borussia Monchengladbach is viewed as "hot."

They state that as Leeds United hold an interest, his performances for Switzerland at the 2026 World Cup have made an exit more likely.

The paper says: "He’s delivering outstanding performances for the national team and only has one year left on his contract with Gladbach.

"Ideal conditions for the 29-year-old to find a new challenge after eleven years in the Lower Rhine region.

"The Bundesliga club wants to extend his contract, while Noah Okafor’s current club, Leeds United, wants to lure him to the Premier League. If he continues to play like this, Leeds won’t be his only destination."

While that is good news for the Whites, it will also put them on alert. If Elvedi is on Farke's radar, he will not want to miss out on a top target.

The Swiss international has already been part of a reported bid by the Whites, but Gladbach rebuffed Leeds' £7.3million offer.

But, with talk of other destinations potentially popping up, now is the perfect time to try to seal a deal before that possibility becomes reality.

How Leeds can stay ahead in the race for Elvedi

While the threat of further competition has been mooted, the Whites could use Okafor as a potential opening to keep themselves at the top.

Okafor, who is away with the defender on international duty at the World Cup, could help convince the enforcer of a switch to LS11.

Additionally, Leeds must remain in constant discussions with the 29-year-old's representatives even while talks are not currently ongoing.

Keeping that relationship open and in good spirits could go a long way in convincing the Bundesliga star his future is at Elland Road.

Moves for Harry Wilson and Shea Charles are already exciting transfers for Leeds, and those deals could also help convince other top players to make the switch.