Nico Elvedi’s decision to leave Borussia Mönchengladbach for Leeds United in the summer has helped elevate his status with Switzerland.
The centre-back spent 11 years with the Bundesliga side before leaving them for Leeds United in August. The Whites reportedly invested around €8.5m to secure his services.
During his time at the German club, he played under Daniel Farke during the 2022/23 season. This made it easier for him to adjust to his new life at Elland Road.
The 30-year-old made his Leeds United debut in the EFL Cup win over Nottingham Forest in August.
Later that month, he came off the bench after Joe Rodon suffered an injury in the 1-1 league draw against Brentford. Since then, he has played every minute in the league.
Leeds United player took assistance
The defender has also played the full 90 minutes in Switzerland’s victories over North Macedonia and Scotland.
He had a difficult spell with the national team previously and Blick now looks at how Nico Elvedi overcame it. When discussing this, they state his decision to pick Leeds United over other clubs has helped him.
Nico Elvedi had a disappointing spell in 2024 as he didn’t play a minute in the European championship. His performances in the UEFA Nations League were poor, got a red card against Spain and scored an own goal in the defeat to Serbia.
Murat Yakin asked him to take time away from the national team. The Leeds United player took the ‘criticism as motivation, began working with former sprinter Rolf Fongué, and returned, faster and stronger than ever’.
This had played a part in regaining his place on the national team. Elvedi starred for Switzerland at the World Cup, playing every minute in the tournament.
| Every Leeds United signing 26/27 | Previous Club | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| James Trafford | Manchester City | £40m |
| Tarik Muharemović | Sassuolo | £34m |
| Nico Elvedi | Borussia Mönchengladbach | £7m |
| Michael Zetterer | Eintracht Frankfurt | €5m |
| Harry Wilson | Fulham | Free |
| Melvin Bard | OGC Nice | Loan |
| Jean-Mattéo Bahoya | Eintracht Frankfurt | Loan |
Only wanted Leeds United
Nico Elvedi’s decision to pick the Premier League side is also paying off. He had offers from clubs from Atalanta and Celta Vigo.
However, he snubbed them to fulfil his Premier League dream. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, considered the Whites wanted him last summer. In August, Gladbach sporting director Rouven Schröder said his exit is a “loss” and it “hurts” the club.
The defender has already adjusted quickly at Leeds United, and Daniel Farke would have played a role in it.
Blick states: ‘Things are also going exceptionally well for Elvedi at his club. The move to Leeds has given him an extra boost.’
In the absence of Granit Xhaka and Breel Embolo for this international break, the Whites man has slowly emerged as a new leader of the national team.
Over the last year, Elvedi has turned things around with Switzerland and Farke and Leeds United have played a part in it.
