Leeds United appear to be looking for a new centre-back after Ethan Ampadu was forced to play in defence on Saturday with Pascal Struijk out due to an ankle injury.
Struijk’s absence was felt, not because Ampadu played poorly, but because he lacked bite in midfield. Leeds had performed poorly away from home before Ampadu returned soon before the Christmas break.
Ampadu played every minute of Leeds’ away games against Stoke City and Derby County, and the team won twice and kept two clean sheets. Ampadu played an important role in the park’s center.
Clearly, the captain’s persistence in midfield is a key factor in Leeds’ success away from home. But Ampadu had to play in defence on Saturday, and Leeds proved too soft in central midfield.
Leeds want Nico Elvedi, and the right swap chance appears.
So, Leeds are looking for a center-back. The Whites are in talks with Forest’s Andrew Omobamidele, but another target is Switzerland’s Nico Elvedi, who is presently first choice for Daniel Farke’s former club Gladbach.
Leeds are leading Wolves in the hunt to sign £10 million-rated Elvedi, who formerly played for Gladbach under Farke. The defender, however, seems unlikely to leave Gladbach, who are competing with second-tier Leeds for a place in Europe.
However, Leeds might be able to force through a move by offering a swap agreement. Back in the summer, Gladbach were anxious to sign Max Wober but could not afford him after his loan there previous term.
That interest is unlikely to wane as Wober serves as backup and fills in at left-back, away from his natural position of centre-back. If Leeds offers Wober in exchange for Elvedi, it might be beneficial to all parties.
Elvedi desires to remain at Gladbach, although the German club is open to his departure. If they bring in a replacement in the form of Wober right away, Gladbach will be tempted, and the club may put pressure on Elvedi to leave.
Daniel Farke previously praised Nico Elvedi, a Premier League-caliber center-back.
At 28, he is at the prime of his career, having already played over 300 games for Gladbach and earning more than 50 national caps.
Farke admires him as a player. Farke remarked in Gladbach: “Nico Elvedi is an incredible leader for us. When at his peak, he is one of Europe’s top central defenders. He’s demonstrated it throughout the years.”
Big praise for a defender who has certainly left an impression on Farke looking forward, given the current level of interest. If Leeds could bring Elvedi to Elland Road, it would be a fantastic deal for the club, regardless of league.
