Leeds have not spent a club record fee on a new goalkeeper just to stand still.
James Trafford’s arrival from Man City was a statement after Daniel Farke guided the Whites to a 14th place finish last season. Harry Wilson has added Premier League craft, while Tarik Muharemovic has brought youth and promise to the heart of the defence.
Yet, Leeds still look one experienced centre back short.
Pascal Struijk’s move to Brighton removed a senior star who had been at Elland Road since 2018. Muharemovic may become an important player, but he is only 23 and has never played in English football.
Expecting him to carry too much responsibility immediately would be a gamble, and Farke needs someone who can steady the line, handle pressure and help the younger defenders around him.
The club’s opening weeks will provide no gentle introduction.
A trip to Nottingham Forest is followed by Brentford, Brighton, Newcastle and Palace, so defensive organisation must be in place quickly.
Leeds have pace and physical strength at the back, but what they could still use is a calm organiser who understands exactly what the manager demands and can arrive ready to play from day one.
That explains the growing push for Switzerland star Nico Elvedi.
Now 29, he has spent 11 seasons with Borussia Mönchengladbach, making 317 Bundesliga appearances, and he played 32 league games last term whilst also operating in the Champions League and Europa League.
Nico Elvedi’s international record for Switzerland | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Competition | Tournament breakdown | Appearances | Goals |
FIFA World Cup | 2018: 0, 2022: 2, 2026: 6 | 8 | 0 |
UEFA European Championship | Euro 2020: 5, Euro 2024: 0 | 5 | 0 |
World Cup qualification | 2018: 2, 2022: 6, 2026: 6 | 14 | 1 |
European Championship qualification | Euro 2020: 7, Euro 2024: 7 | 14 | 0 |
UEFA Nations League | 2018/19: 4, 2020/21: 5, 2022/23: 4, 2024/25: 3 | 16 | 1 |
International friendlies | 2016 to 2026 | 16 | 1 |
Switzerland total | Senior international record | 73 | 3 |
Crucially, he already knows Farke.
The pair worked together at Gladbach during the 22/23 campaign, when the Swiss defender remained a regular. That relationship gives Leeds a level of certainty over his character and tactical fit.
Gladbach recently made him vice captain, another indication of the standing he holds inside their dressing room, but his contract situation has opened the door.
The defender’s current deal expires next summer and Gladbach risk losing him for nothing if they refuse to sell. Bild also report that the German club would consider a fee of around £8.5 million.
Leeds to make imminent Nico Elvedi bid with personal terms agreed
Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg now claims Leeds have reached a full agreement with Elvedi over a contract running until 2029.
He is said to be keen on the Premier League switch, with Leeds preparing an offer to be submitted ‘soon’ and Gladbach willing to negotiate at the right price.
No club agreement is in place yet, so the deal is not done, but persuading the player is a major step forward.
For Leeds, this would be a sensible move rather than a spectacular one. Farke would gain a trusted defender with top flight and international experience, while Elvedi would finally get his move.
After spending big elsewhere, a relatively modest fee could now solve one of the most important remaining issues in the squad.
