Leeds United have strengthened their backline ahead of the new Premier League season by completing the signing of Swiss international defender Nico Elvedi from Borussia Monchengladbach in a deal worth £8.5 million.
The 29-year-old has put pen to paper on a three-year contract at Elland Road, becoming the latest addition to Daniel Farke's squad as the club continues its summer rebuild. Elvedi's move to Yorkshire brings him back into the orbit of Farke, who oversaw his development during a season in charge of Monchengladbach in 2022-23.
Reflecting on the reunion with his former coach, Elvedi explained the influence Farke had on his decision to join Leeds. "He is also a big point for this change," Elvedi said. "It was just one year but I loved to have him as a manager. I learned a lot from him and I will learn a lot now."
The transfer fee is structured as an initial £6.8 million payment, with a further £1.7 million payable in add-ons depending on performance-related clauses, according to the terms agreed between the two clubs.
Elvedi's departure closes a lengthy chapter at Borussia Monchengladbach, where he spent 11 years and made 364 appearances across all competitions, establishing himself as a mainstay of the German side's defence. On the international stage, he has been capped 73 times by Switzerland and was a key figure in their run to the quarter-finals of the most recent World Cup, playing every minute of the tournament for his country.
His signing marks the fourth piece of business completed by Leeds this summer, following the earlier arrivals of goalkeeper James Trafford, winger Harry Wilson, and defender Tarik Muharemovic. The club has been active in reshaping its squad as it prepares for a fresh Premier League campaign, with Farke keen to add experience and international pedigree to his backline.
Elvedi's arrival has also triggered a departure, with defender Sebastiaan Bornauw leaving Elland Road to join Hamburg on a season-long loan. The Belgian-born centre-back had struggled for regular playing time and will now look to rebuild his career in the Bundesliga.
Leeds have also been busy trimming their squad elsewhere on the pitch. Striker Joel Piroe departed for West Ham on a season-long loan earlier the same day, as Farke continues to reshape his attacking and defensive options before the transfer window closes.
With Elvedi now part of the fold, attention turns to how quickly he can integrate into Farke's system before the Whites begin their top-flight campaign. Leeds are set to open their Premier League season away at Nottingham Forest on Saturday, kicking off at 15:00 BST, in what will be an early test of the squad's summer additions.
The capture of Elvedi represents a significant coup for Leeds, given his wealth of experience at both club and international level. His versatility and composure on the ball are expected to provide additional stability to a defence that Farke has been keen to fortify following promotion back to the Premier League.
As preparations continue ahead of the weekend's fixture, Leeds fans will be hopeful that the reunion between Elvedi and Farke can replicate the understanding they built during their time together in Germany, with the Swiss defender expected to slot straight into contention for a starting role.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport Football.