Nico Elvedi has spoken for the first time as a Leeds United player
Leeds United’s new arrival Nico Elvedi consulted both Daniel Farke and Noah Okafor before putting pen to paper at Elland Road.
The 29-year-old has arrived from Borussia Mönchengladbach for an undisclosed fee, adding depth to the centre-back department following Sebastiaan Bornauw’s loan switch to Hamburg.
He has been reunited with Whites boss Farke, who he played under at Mönchengladbach, and his Switzerland teammate Noah Okafor.
Nico Elvedi has been capped on 73 occasions by Switzerland.placeholder image
Nico Elvedi has been capped on 73 occasions by Switzerland. | Ennio LEANZA / AFP via Getty Images
Nico Elvedi’s pre-move conversations
Elvedi told LUTV: “I talked with Noah a little bit and he just told me good things about the club and the fans so, yeah, I am happy. We talked at the World Cup about this club.
“I talked with the manager, I know him as well and, yeah, he is also a big point for this change. It was just one year but I loved to have him as a manager. I learned a lot from him and I will learn a lot now.”
Embracing Leeds United’s history
Elvedi has become Leeds’ fourth signing of the summer transfer window, following James Trafford, Tarik Muharemović and Harry Wilson through the door in LS11.
He has never plied his trade in England before but is already familiar with Leeds’ history - and their rivalry with Manchester United.
Sign up to our WhatsApp Channel for the latest
The defender said: “I’m very excited. I am very happy to be here, everything is done and I can’t wait to play for this club.
“I know Leeds have a big history, Manchester United is also a big rival so we will try to beat them this season. It is such a big club with amazing fans and I also can’t wait to play in this stadium with the fans.
Nico Elvedi played under Daniel Farke at Borussia Mönchengladbach.placeholder image
Nico Elvedi played under Daniel Farke at Borussia Mönchengladbach. | Lars Baron/Getty Images
“I saw some videos from the stadium, from the fans, and I love it. Everybody told me it is a special moment to go through the tunnel and see the atmosphere. I can’t wait to see that.
“It is a big step but I think I need this step. I am happy to be here and excited, yeah. I will find out but here it is the best league in the world. Everything is faster and stronger. I think we have a good team this season but I think we can reach big things this season. We will see where we get at the end.”