Leeds United are likely to be in the market for a new central defender before the January transfer window ends but the form of one of Daniel Farke’s priority targets should be a concern.
Ethan Ampadu has been forced to drop into defence following Pascal Struijk’s latest injury. Struijk is sidelined until early February but he is set for more scans this week, and he could be out for months.
Max Wober is next in line but the Austria star continues to struggle with knee problems. He has been on the treatment table more than he has been on the pitch this term and Leeds need a new defender.
Especially, since Daniel Farke said Ampadu is not the long-term answer at centre-back. Plenty of options have been linked with Leeds including a move for one of Farke’s old players currently in Germany.
Daniel Farke wants reunion but £10m man’s form is a concern
During his time at Gladbach during the 2022-23 season prior to his move to the Leeds dugout, Farke guided Gladbach to a solid 10th-placed finish. A big part of his Gladbach side was defender Nico Elvedi.
The experienced Switzerland star has entered the final 18 months of his contract and while he might be first choice for Gladbach, Leeds want to reunite Farke with Elvedi and the Leeds boss wants Elvedi ‘now’.
The chances of a deal in the next two weeks seems small even if Leeds have been told to pay £10m to sign Elvedi. But his recent form should be a concern if Leeds do go ahead with trying to sign Elvedi.
Bayern Leverkusen and Ralph Hasenhuttl embarrass Nico Elvedi
Elvedi has been first choice for Gladbach and played whenever available, recently missing six league games due to a thigh injury. But in his last few games, the numbers are hardly convincing for Leeds.
Indeed, Elvedi has failed to stop Bayern Leverkusen and Wolfsburg scoring eight times against Gladbach in the last two games. Five against Ralph Hasenhuttl’s Wolfsburg and three against Xabi Alonso’s Bayer.
Gladbach have failed to keep a clean sheet since September with Elvedi in the side and that is a worry. Farke is a big fan of Elvedi, but is he really the answer should Leeds get promoted to the Premier League?
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