Leeds United’s transfer strategy has taken another dramatic twist as Daniel Farke prepares to reshape his defensive options before the summer window closes. With Sebastiaan Bornauw edging closer to an exit from Elland Road, the Whites have reportedly reignited their pursuit of experienced Switzerland international Nico Elvedi in what could become one of the club’s most important late-window moves.

The Yorkshire club have already made headlines this summer by strengthening key areas of the squad. Harry Wilson arrived to add creativity, Tarik Muharemovic bolstered the defence, while James Trafford became Leeds’ record signing after completing his move from Manchester City.

Despite those impressive additions, Leeds’ recruitment work is far from complete.

Daniel Farke remains determined to build a squad capable of comfortably surviving in the Premier League, and that means responding quickly whenever departures create new gaps in the team.

The latest development centres around Sebastiaan Bornauw.

The Belgian defender is reportedly on the verge of joining Hamburg after spending just one season at Elland Road. Although Bornauw was initially signed to provide reliable defensive cover, injuries throughout last season forced him into a much bigger role than originally expected.

Now, with his departure appearing increasingly likely, Leeds have wasted little time identifying potential replacements.

According to fresh reports, Borussia Monchengladbach centre-back Nico Elvedi has once again emerged as one of the club’s leading defensive targets.

The Swiss international has been admired by Leeds throughout the summer, but Bornauw’s impending exit has pushed the 29-year-old much higher up Farke’s priority list.

There are several reasons why Elvedi appeals to the Leeds boss.

Most importantly, the pair already know each other extremely well.

Farke worked closely with Elvedi during his time managing Borussia Monchengladbach, developing a strong professional relationship built on trust and mutual understanding. That previous connection could prove crucial if Leeds decide to formalise their interest in the coming days.

Elvedi himself is also believed to be open to the reunion.

After impressing for Switzerland on the international stage, including another solid World Cup campaign, the experienced defender is understood to be keen on testing himself in the Premier League for the first time in his career.

His leadership, composure on the ball and positional intelligence would provide Leeds with valuable experience inside a relatively young defensive unit.

However, completing the transfer may not be straightforward.

Borussia Monchengladbach are reportedly seeking around £8.5 million before agreeing to sell one of their longest-serving defenders. While that fee is not excessive by Premier League standards, Leeds are reluctant to overspend on a player approaching his 30th birthday.

The club’s recruitment team remain committed to securing value in every deal, meaning negotiations would likely depend on the German side lowering their valuation or accepting a more favourable payment structure.

Leeds also understand that replacing Bornauw will not be as easy as it appears.

When the Belgian arrived last summer for approximately £5 million, he represented excellent business. He accepted a squad role, remained professional and stepped into the starting lineup whenever injuries disrupted Farke’s plans.

Finding another experienced defender willing to accept a similar role without demanding guaranteed first-team football presents a difficult challenge.

That reality makes Elvedi an attractive solution.

Having previously worked under Farke, he would already understand the manager’s tactical demands and expectations, potentially making the transition to English football considerably smoother.

Even so, Leeds are keeping alternative options under consideration.

The club are determined not to rush into a deal and will continue monitoring several centre-backs before making their final decision. Flexibility has become one of the defining features of Leeds’ recruitment strategy this summer, allowing them to react quickly as circumstances change across the market.

With September’s transfer deadline rapidly approaching, the coming weeks could define Leeds’ season before a competitive ball is even kicked.

Replacing Bornauw effectively would preserve defensive depth, strengthen competition for places and provide Farke with another experienced option capable of handling the intensity of Premier League football.

Should Leeds succeed in bringing Nico Elvedi to Elland Road, they would not simply be signing another defender—they would be reuniting Daniel Farke with one of his most trusted former players in a move that could prove vital to the club’s ambitions of establishing themselves as a stable Premier League side.