There’s no rest for the wicked as far as Leeds United are concerned. After agreeing a deal to sign Harry Wilson, they’ve already turned their attention to other incomings, as they attempt to avoid a disastrous case of second-season syndrome.
With Wilson on his way, the next task on the Whites’ to-do list seems to be welcoming a defender. And that, of course, will come as little surprise following the departure of Pascal Struijk.
Replacing the defender won’t be an easy task by any means, but the latest developments over Nico Elvedi’s Borussia Mönchengladbach future should provide a major boost.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
Following Struijk’s departure, Leeds simply have to sign a defender. They were already slightly short to operate their back three system before his exit, but have now seen their problems increase. Elvedi, having worked with Daniel Farke in the past, would be an excellent choice. |
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Finances |
Leeds have already done the painful part. They’ve sold their star, making around £20m, and now have the finances to increase their initial offer, which stood at around £7m before being rejected by Gladbach. |
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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’ rush for a central defender, but it may not end their search completely. They still need added options. |
The Gladbach defender is seriously on Leeds’ radar, but they must launch a second offer if they are to land his signature in the coming weeks.
Leeds receive major boost to sign Elvedi
As reported by BILD and relayed by Sport Witness, Gladbach chief Rouven Schröder is ready to “push” Elvedi to leave the club this summer.
The defender is not expected to sign a new deal in Germany, leaving just one year left on his current contract, and allowing Leeds to swoop in.
The Whites already saw one offer rejected worth around £7m, but Schröder’s stance has since handed them a major boost. Whether they now up their offer and take full advantage remains to be seen.
Why Leeds must sign Elvedi
After losing Struijk, welcoming someone who has worked with Daniel Farke in the past is simply a must at Elland Road this summer. Struijk spent as many as eight years in Yorkshire and three of those were spent with the current boss.
It leaves a gaping hole in the Whites’ backline that Elvedi could fill. He played 34 times for Farke during the German’s spell at Gladbach and a reunion has been a long time coming.
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25/26 |
Elvedi |
Struijk |
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Minutes |
2,967 |
2,937 |
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Tackles |
43 |
39 |
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Duel success |
60.5% |
55.6% |
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Recoveries |
104 |
118 |
The Swiss defender may be Premier League-proven, but last season’s numbers were certainly impressive in the Bundesliga. Crucially, he outperformed Struijk in tackles and endured a better duel success. At the heart of a back three, he could thrive.
