Leeds United are doing everything they can to avoid a serious case of second-season syndrome this summer.
They’ve welcomed Harry Wilson, spent big on Tarik Muharemovic and have now set their sights on Nico Elvedi.
Of course, it should come as little surprise that the latter is back on Daniel Farke‘s radar. The German has worked with the Borussia Mönchengladbach defender in the past and rumours of a reunion at Elland Road have failed to go away.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
Following Struijk’s departure, Leeds simply had to strengthen their backline and did exactly that by signing Muharemovic. But they were already slightly short to operate their back three system before Struijk’s exit and that means another player must still arrive. That is where Elvedi could come in, given that he’s already keen on a move. |
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Finances |
Leeds have already spent big once and are unlikely to splash the cash in the same fashion for another centre-back. Elvedi won’t be expensive, though. Gladbach have accepted that his exit is inevitable and that should make any deal far simpler to negotiate. |
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Insight |
Elvedi has worked with Farke before and he has played in a back three in Germany. On paper, there are little negatives to his potential arrival, especially as an experienced 29-year-old star. |
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Impact |
The defender’s arrival would end Leeds’ search for a central defender, with Muharemovic already through the door and the likes of Joe Rodon set to stay put. |
In a mood to welcome arrivals, Leeds could finally form a reunion between Farke and Elvedi this summer, completing their new-look backline in the process.
Leeds receive huge boost in Nico Elvedi race
As reported by Football Insider, Leeds are targeting a move to sign Elvedi this summer and have received two major boosts.
On the club side, Gladbach have accepted that the defender’s exit is inevitable, allowing the Whites to swoop in. Meanwhile, for the defender’s part, he is now keen to complete a move to Elland Road.
Leeds couldn’t have asked for better conditions as they set their sights on the 29-year-old, who could join Muharemovic and Rodon to form an excellent back three.
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25/26 P90 |
Elvedi |
Muharemovic |
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Minutes |
2,967 |
2,835 |
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Duel success |
60.5% |
64.4% |
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Tackles |
1.3 |
1.4 |
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Recoveries |
3.15 |
2.89 |
The ball is now in Leeds’ court. Whether they finally turn long-term interest into an offer remains to be seen, however.
Leeds edge closer to signing Shea Charles
It’s also no secret that Leeds are interested in signing Southampton’s Shea Charles this summer. The Whites have already submitted bids to sign the midfielder and the latest reports have claimed that they’re edging closer to a deal.
Welcoming Elvedi and then Charles would be excellent business. Farke would have the perfect combination of youthful exuberance and stern experience to turn towards as he aims for survival and more next season.
That said, there’s still work to do if the Yorkshire club want to get both deals over the line.
