Ben Jacobs: Leeds Eyeing Move for ‘Absolute Leader’
Journalist Ben Jacobs said that if Leeds are promoted to the Premier League, they may try to strengthen their defence and add some leadership over the summer. They have their sights set on Nico Elvedi, a defender for Borussia Monchengladbach, and are amenable to a move to the English top division.
There is still work to be done in the Whites’ promotion bid as they are currently leading the Championship on goal differential and only two points clear of Burnley, who are in third place in the competition for automatic promotion positions. However, they could recruit a star with extensive international, continental, and top-flight experience in Elvedi, as targets are lined up. Jacobs has stated that the Swiss player is amenable to a move to the Premier League.
Jacobs: Elvedi ‘Ready’ to Play in the Premier League
The Swiss star could make his way to Leeds in the off-season if they are promoted
Elvedi knows his old coach well from his time playing for Monchengladbach under Daniel Farke, and if Leeds finish in the top two at the end of the season, the favour might be returned.
| Nico Elvedi’s Bundesliga statistics – Gladbach squad ranking | ||
|---|---|---|
| Stats | Output | Squad rank |
| Appearances | 19 | =11th |
| Goals | 1 | =7th |
| Clearances Per Game | 5.8 | 1st |
| Tackles Per Game | 1.6 | 3rd |
| Interceptions Per Game | 1.3 | 3rd |
| Match rating | 6.96 |
|
According to Jacobs said, Elvedi wasn’t interested in moving to the second division, but he would be “ready” for the Premier League and could play two different positions, so the Yorkshire team would be well advised to make the purchase. According to Jacobs:
“That’s why, as I revealed a couple of months ago, that Nico Elvedi had crept onto Leeds’ radar. He’s another player that didn’t want to move in mid-season, and he feels that he’s ready for the Premier League rather than the Championship.
“And, although Elvedi is more of a centre-back, he’s a centre-back and a left-back and equally comfortable in both positions.
“Leeds could kill two birds with one stone there, and get a player capable of playing in more than one position.”
Given that Elvedi has previously been described by Farke as a “absolute leader” and that the defensive combination of Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk has performed admirably in the second division over the last two seasons, the German coach might greatly benefit from Elvedi’s arrival in his backline.
Key Statistic:
With 56 caps for Switzerland, Nico Elvedi has two goals.
However, Leeds must first qualify for the Premier League. If they can maintain their lead over Burnley and Sheffield United by the middle of May, Elvedi may decide to move to Elland Road.
