With Leeds United already in the market for a new central defender, Saturday’s collapse away at Hull City would usually only add fuel to the argument that defensive reinforcements are a must.
Yet, no one could really blame Joe Rodon or Ethan Ampadu as Leeds – like they did against Blackburn Rovers on New Years Day – tossed two potentially invaluable points onto the nearest scrapheap.
Rodon actually had a pretty impressive game on Humberside. Ampadu too, the Welshman getting up to speed again following a long spell out of the game. And while Max Wober could potentially have done more to stop Abu Kamara’s opener, all the accusing fingers at full-time were pointed squarely in the direction of one man.
Yet, the chances of Leeds United cashing in on the under-fire Illan Meslier and bringing in a replacement still look slim. Daniel Farke indicated that Meslier is unlikely to be dropped, either, despite Karl Darlow waiting in the wings.
So, with Meslier’s place as safe as it can be for now, and with Leeds’ transfer focus fixed on defenders rather than goalkeepers, it appears that the plan they went with into 2025 remains unchanged.
Marseille could open Nico Elvedi door for Leeds United
According to reports, Leeds could reunite Farke with Nottingham Forest’s Andrew Omobamidele, a few years after the German handed him his debut at Norwich City. Leeds have been credited with an interest in Christopher Wooh of Rennes, too, alongside RC Lens stopper Abdukodir Khusanov.
The noises coming out of Germany, however, suggest that Nico Elvedi is not just affordable but also very much attainable this month.
Like Omobamidele – out of favour at Nottingham Forest – Elvedi has worked with Leeds boss Farke before. They spent the 2022/23 season together at Borussia Monchengladbach. And while Farke may have got ahead of himself a little when describing Elvedi as one of the finest centre-halves in European football, there is a reason why the Switzerland international has accumulated 56 caps and over 300 Bundesliga appearances.
Elvedi has spent a decade at Borussia Park. But rather than see out the remainder of his testimonial year with Die Fohlen, the long-serving 28-year-old appears to believe that the time is right for a fresh start as he approaches what could be his final few seasons at the peak of his powers.
A move to Leeds may see Elvedi swap the Bundesliga for the Championship, but only initially. The Yorkshire giants are well-placed to secure a return to the Premier League in the near future, meaning a January switch would represent short-term loss for long-term gain as far as Elvedi is concerned.
His contract expires this summer.
Sport BILD say that Farke is aiming to get a deal done this month, potentially in the hope that Gladbach would be willing to accept even less than the £8 million release clause in the contract of the former FC Zurich ace.
Gladbach are taking nothing for chance, either.
Reports in Germany claim that the 1977 European Cup finalists have already identified a replacement in the shape of Lilian Brassier. Currently owned by Stade Reims, Brassier is on loan at Marseille with a £9 million option-to-buy clause in his contract.
But, having slipped out of Roberto de Zerbi’s starting XI of late, Borussia Monchengladbach appear to be positioning themselves as a viable alternative destination should Marseille decide to part ways with the 25-year-old Frenchman.
Daniel Farke is a huge fan of Swizerland and Bundesliga ace
As for Elvedi, Farke came to admire his leadership skills on and off the pitch. And while the Zurich-born giant is not immune to the odd error, Farke’s possession-based principles meant he was keen to encourage Elvedi to keep passing out from the back even in the face of mistakes.
“Nico Elvedi is an absolute leader for us,” Farke told the Rheinische Post. “When he is at his best, he is one of the best central defenders in Europe. He has proven that over the years.
“You have to be honest and self-critical and say that he has not been at his best in one or two games. There is no hiding behind it. It is clear and obvious. When you make a mistake as a central defender and it is punished.
“[But] I wanted him to continue to play with his [usual style].”
Should player and manager be reunited at Elland Road, Elvedi should adapt to life at Leeds quicker than the usual mid-season addition.
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