Leeds United Closing in on £8M Bargain that Could Become Summer Transfer Masterstroke

Leeds United look set to make another move in the transfer market, and this one could turn out to be one of the smartest deals of the summer.

The Whites are reportedly close to signing Borussia Mönchengladbach defender Nico Elvedi as Daniel Farke continues to build his squad for another Premier League campaign.

Leeds have already spent big in some areas this summer, but their recruitment has mostly been focused on fixing clear weaknesses rather than signing players just for the sake of it.

The possible arrival of Elvedi would follow the same idea.

The Switzerland international has spent more than a decade with Mönchengladbach and has built a strong reputation in the Bundesliga. At 29, he would also bring something Leeds cannot get from every young signing, experience at the highest level.

According to reports, Elvedi has already agreed personal terms with Leeds over a three-year contract. The only major issue left is believed to be the transfer fee.

Leeds United Store: https://leedsunited.sjv.io/09rJdJ

Leeds need another centre-back

The need for another defender is clear. Leeds lost Pascal Struijk this summer and have already brought in Tarik Muharemović from Sassuolo.

However, Farke’s preference for using three centre-backs means another option is needed.

Sebastiaan Bornauw is also expected to leave Elland Road, with Hamburg closing in on the defender. That would leave Leeds needing another experienced player in the position. This is where Elvedi could become a very useful signing.

The Swiss defender has made more than 350 appearances for Mönchengladbach since joining the German club many years ago. He has also become an important player for Switzerland, earning 73 international caps.

His experience could be especially valuable for Leeds after their return to the Premier League.

Rather than asking a young defender to immediately handle the pressure of English top-flight football, Farke could bring in someone who has already spent years playing against some of Europe’s best attackers.

Why Nico Elvedi could be a bargain

The biggest attraction could be the price. Elvedi only has one year remaining on his contract with Mönchengladbach, which means the German club could struggle to demand a huge fee.

Reports suggest Leeds could potentially sign him for around €10m, which works out at roughly £8.2m.

That would be a very reasonable price for a player with his experience. There is no guarantee that the final fee will be that low, and negotiations still need to be completed.

Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images)

But if Leeds can get the deal done for anything close to that figure, it could prove to be excellent business.

The player is also reportedly keen on moving to Elland Road, with personal terms already said to have been agreed.

That puts Leeds in a strong position.

From outside the UK, the UK  Soccer Shop remains a popular choice: https://uksoccershop.sjv.io/XmDrNM

What Elvedi would bring to Farke’s defence

Elvedi is not the type of defender who needs to make 10 tackles every game to have an impact. His biggest strength is his reading of the game.

He is very good at understanding where danger is going to appear and getting into position before an opponent can create a serious problem. That could be very useful in Farke’s back three.

The defender also performed well in one-on-one situations last season. He won around 67 per cent of his ground duels in the Bundesliga, showing that he can deal with attackers when they come directly at him.

His passing is another positive. Elvedi can keep possession moving but is also capable of playing longer passes to start quick attacks.

That would give Leeds another way of moving the ball from defence into the attacking areas.

There are weaknesses, though. He is not the quickest defender, so playing with an extremely high defensive line could expose him. His aerial numbers are also good rather than outstanding. He won around 56 per cent of his aerial duels last season.

That means powerful and quick strikers could still cause problems if Leeds leave him isolated.

But at the right price, those weaknesses are manageable.

Premier League fanwear and Leeds United clothing, Fanatics offers a wide range of options: https://fanatics.93n6tx.net/bOAqkv

Leeds transfer details

If Leeds can complete the transfer for less than £10m, it would be difficult to argue against the deal.

They need another centre-back, Elvedi has the experience to step straight into Premier League football, and his reported price would not put a huge dent in the club’s transfer budget.

For a Leeds side trying to improve without wasting money, this is exactly the type of transfer that makes sense.

The deal is not officially completed yet, but everything appears to be moving in the right direction. If Leeds get it over the line, Elvedi could quietly become one of the most important and sensible additions of their summer window.

For more Leeds United news, gear, and match updates, follow us on Facebook or join our brand-new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates delivered directly to your phone.