Leeds sign Nico Elvedi from Borussia Monchengladbach in £8.5m deal

Leeds United have completed the signing of Switzerland defender Nico Elvedi from Borussia Monchengladbach in a deal worth up to £8.5m. BBC Sport reports that the 29-year-old has signed a three-year contract at Elland Road, giving Leeds another experienced option in defence before the start of their Premier League campaign.

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The reported transfer package consists of an initial £6.8m payment and a further £1.7m in add-ons. The move also reunites Elvedi with Leeds manager Daniel Farke, who coached Borussia Monchengladbach during the 2022-23 season. Elvedi said Farke was an important factor in his decision and that he had learned from the coach during their previous season together.

Elvedi leaves Monchengladbach after 11 years with the German club. According to the BBC report, he made 364 appearances during that spell, a record that brings a significant level of senior experience to Leeds. He has also won 73 caps for Switzerland since making his international debut in 2016.

His recent international involvement included Switzerland's run to the World Cup quarter-finals. Elvedi played every minute of that campaign, the BBC reported. That tournament workload adds current international-level experience to a Leeds squad preparing for another Premier League season, although the club has not indicated what role he will have in the opening fixture.

Elvedi is Leeds' fourth signing of the summer window. He follows goalkeeper James Trafford, midfielder Harry Wilson and fellow defender Tarik Muharemovic into the club. His arrival also allowed defender Sebastiaan Bornauw to leave Elland Road for Hamburg on a season-long loan, while striker Joel Piroe joined West Ham on a separate season-long loan earlier on Wednesday.

Leeds begin their Premier League season away to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00 BST. The report did not confirm whether Elvedi will make his debut in that match, but his transfer has been completed in advance of the fixture. The three-year agreement makes him part of Farke's plans beyond the immediate opening weekend as Leeds continue to reshape their squad.