Leeds clinches Elvedi deal, leaving Gladbach with Engpass in defence

Borussia Mönchengladbach and Leeds United have reached an agreement for the transfer of 29‑year‑old Swiss centre‑back Nico Elvedi, a move that could leave the German club facing an Engpass in its Abwehrzentrum. The deal follows Leeds’ long‑standing interest and comes after Gladbach rejected an €8.5 million offer earlier this year.

Leeds agreement details

Elvedi, who is 29, has already signed a contract with the Premier League side that runs until 2029. Leeds manager Daniel Farke, who coached Gladbach in the 2022/23 season, knows the Swiss defender from that period. The Sky report published on Saturday confirmed the agreement between the two clubs.

Leeds had shown interest in the Swiss World Cup participant for some time. In June, reported that negotiations were under way, and Gladbach turned down the €8.5 million bid despite Elvedi entering the final year of his contract. The defender has repeatedly been linked with a move to England in previous transfer windows.

Gladbach's defensive dilemma

Elvedi arrived at Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2015 from FC Zürich for €4 million and has become the club’s longest‑serving outfield player. He has featured in 364 matches, placing him ninth on the club’s all‑time appearance list, the most for any foreign player. His departure would leave coach Eugen Polanski with only three centre‑backs available.

Polanski’s remaining options are Kevin Diks, the injured Fabio Chiarodia and recent signing Jan Leszczyński. With Elvedi gone, the squad would lack depth in the Abwehrzentrum, creating a clear Engpass that may force further recruitment.

Leeds United already possess four centre‑backs: Tarik Muharemović, Jaka Bijol, Joe Rodon and Sebastiaan Bornauw. The addition of Elvedi would bolster their defensive options and give Farke a familiar partner in the back line.