Nico Elvedi Joins Leeds United: Farke Reunion Completes £8.5m Signing

Leeds United have reunited Daniel Farke with one of his most trusted defenders, completing the £8.5m signing of Switzerland international Nico Elvedi from Borussia Monchengladbach.

The 29-year-old centre-back has agreed a three-year deal at Elland Road, ending an 11-year spell in Germany where he became a mainstay of the Monchengladbach back line, racking up 364 appearances.

Farke reunion seals the deal

Elvedi did not hide the importance of his relationship with Farke, who coached him at Monchengladbach in the 2022-23 season.

"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."

Leeds struck a deal with Monchengladbach worth an initial £6.8m, with a further £1.7m in add-ons to take the total package to £8.5m.

On the pitch, Elvedi arrives with serious pedigree. He has 73 caps for Switzerland and played every minute of their recent run to the World Cup quarter-finals, underlining the level of experience now dropping into Farke’s defence.

Reshaping the back line

Elvedi becomes Leeds’ fourth signing of the summer window, joining James Trafford, Harry Wilson and fellow defender Tarik Muharemovic in a squad that is being steadily rebuilt.

His arrival has already triggered movement. Sebastiaan Bornauw has left Elland Road to join Hamburg on a season-long loan, a clear sign that Elvedi is expected to play a central role in Farke’s plans.

There was more business earlier on Wednesday as well, with striker Joel Piroe leaving Leeds to join West Ham on a season-long loan, freeing up space and responsibility in attack while the club doubles down on defensive authority.

A World Cup-hardened defender, a manager he trusts, and a club intent on climbing – Elvedi walks into Elland Road not as a project, but as a pillar.