Leeds United have secured the signature of Nico Elvedi from Borussia Mönchengladbach on a permanent basis, with both clubs confirming the transfer on Wednesday. The deal brings to an end the defender’s 11-year association with the German side, during which he made 364 competitive appearances and established himself as one of the club’s modern greats.
Elvedi joined Gladbach as a teenager and developed into a defensive mainstay, earning recognition as a club legend. His departure marks the end of a significant era for the Bundesliga outfit, who reluctantly sanctioned the move after acknowledging the defender’s desire for a fresh challenge.
Gladbach pay tribute to departing ‘legend’
The move received the blessing of the Gladbach hierarchy, with head of sports Rouven Schröder praising Elvedi’s contribution. “Legend is a word you shouldn’t use lightly, but Nico Elvedi is a true Borussia legend,” Schröder said. “Eleven years at the club, 364 competitive appearances, a consistently important player and a leader who never needed to say much.”
Schröder explained that the club felt compelled to respect Elvedi’s wishes despite the disappointment of losing him. “Nico made it very clear that he wanted to take on one more new challenge in his career,” he added. “Given everything he has done for Borussia, and the exemplary way he has handled this situation too, we felt we had to respect that wish as long as the financial terms were right.”
Elvedi bids emotional farewell
The defender himself expressed mixed emotions about leaving a club he described as family. “I came to Borussia at 18 without really knowing what to expect,” Elvedi said. “I went on to experience so many special moments here, meet so many wonderful people and make friends for life. This club has become incredibly important to me and feels like a family.”
He added: “It’s not easy to leave, but I feel the time is right for me to experience something new. I want to say thank you for eleven years that have shaped me enormously and made me the person I am today.”
Elvedi now joins Leeds United as they continue their campaign, bringing substantial top-flight experience to the squad. The defender is expected to bolster their backline as he embarks on the next chapter of his career in English football.