Leeds United are on the verge of completing the signing of Swiss international defender Nico Elvedi from Borussia Monchengladbach in a deal worth £8.5m. The 29-year-old is expected to travel to England on Monday to undergo a medical, marking the final step before the move is officially confirmed.
Borussia Monchengladbach have accepted an offer structured as an initial £6.8m payment, with a further £1.7m available through performance-related add-ons. The transfer will bring an end to Elvedi's 11-year association with the German top-flight club, where he developed into one of the Bundesliga's most reliable and versatile defenders.
Elvedi brings significant international pedigree to Elland Road, having amassed 73 caps for the Switzerland national team. He was part of the Swiss squad that competed at this summer's World Cup, underlining his continued relevance at the highest level of the international game despite his advancing years. His adaptability across defensive positions is expected to provide Leeds boss Daniel Farke with valuable tactical flexibility as the club prepares for life back in the Premier League.
Speaking after Leeds' emphatic 4-0 pre-season victory over Augsburg, Farke was asked to comment on the imminent arrival of Elvedi but chose to remain cautious until the deal is finalised. "I've been working in football long enough to know everything is only final once the medical checks are completed and all the paperwork is signed. We've seen situations like this before," the German manager said.
Despite his measured approach, Farke did hint that an announcement could be close. "So I only speak about new players once they have been officially announced and everything is settled. But I don't want to lie, and we expect something to happen in the next 48 hours," he added, suggesting that supporters should not have to wait much longer for confirmation of the signing.
The move for Elvedi is also set to have a knock-on effect on Leeds' current defensive options. Sebastiaan Bornauw, who has found opportunities limited at Elland Road, is poised to join Bundesliga side Hamburg on an initial loan deal that includes an option to make the transfer permanent. His departure would free up space in Farke's squad and further indicates the club's intention to reshape their backline ahead of the new campaign.
Leeds' business in the transfer market comes at a crucial juncture as they prepare for their return to the Premier League following promotion. The club will begin their top-flight campaign with a trip to face Nottingham Forest next Saturday, a fixture that will provide an early test of how quickly the newly assembled squad can gel under Farke's guidance.
The capture of a player with Elvedi's experience and World Cup pedigree is seen as a statement of intent from Leeds as they look to establish themselves in the Premier League rather than simply survive. His composure on the ball and tactical versatility could prove particularly useful against sides that press high, a common challenge for promoted teams adjusting to the pace of English top-flight football.
With the medical scheduled for Monday and Farke suggesting a resolution within 48 hours, Leeds fans could soon see official confirmation of a signing that promises to strengthen the spine of the team ahead of a demanding season. Based on reporting from BBC Sport.