Leeds eye Elvedi and Suzuki as Farke prioritises defensive overhaul

Leeds United are pushing to reshape their defence this summer, with manager Daniel Farke understood to have made a new goalkeeper, a left-back and a centre-back his priorities before the new Premier League season. The Whites secured a comfortable 14th-place finish on their return to the top flight and reached the FA Cup semi-final, but the boss is determined to avoid any second-season slip.

The urgency around the back line has intensified following the departure of fan favourite Pascal Struijk, who completed a move to Brighton last month in a deal worth an initial £18 million. Leeds were compelled to sanction the sale before 30 June to remain compliant with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.

In a statement, Leeds explained the thinking behind last summer’s transfer strategy: “Last summer, the decision was taken to keep all players at Elland Road to give the club the best possible chance of Premier League survival, with the expectation that player sales would be needed to remain PSR compliant over a three-year accounting window ending June 30. The club’s higher than expected 14th place finish and run to the Emirates FA Cup semi-final vindicated this decision, with the increased income and single sale of Struijk ensuring the club remains within PSR limits.”

Elvedi emerges as leading centre-back target

Struijk’s exit leaves a significant void at the back for Farke, who had already identified central defence as an area needing reinforcement after switching to a 3-5-2 system for large parts of last season. Borussia Monchengladbach’s Nico Elvedi has emerged as a leading candidate, with the Switzerland international having impressed at this summer’s World Cup.

The 29-year-old, who can operate as a central anchor or on the right of a back three, made 271 clearances in 33 Bundesliga appearances last season. According to the Mail, Leeds have already made contact with Monchengladbach over a deal, with a fee in the region of €12 million (£10 million) believed to be sufficient to secure his signature.

Elvedi would represent considerably better value than some other names on Leeds’ radar, with Southampton reportedly demanding around £30 million for Shea Charles despite the Northern Ireland international having just a single year remaining on his contract.

Suzuki lined up to end goalkeeper uncertainty

Goalkeeper remains another problem position for Leeds following Illan Meslier’s departure, with Karl Darlow’s future still undecided after his contract expired. Japan international Zion Suzuki has been earmarked as the man to solve that dilemma after another impressive World Cup campaign.

Reports in Japan suggest Leeds have already agreed personal terms with the Parma shot-stopper, with a transfer fee of around £25 million said to be likely. A swift deal would finally settle the ongoing uncertainty over who takes the gloves at Elland Road next season.

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With Jayden Bogle, Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol and Gabriel Gudmundsson already at the club, the additions of Elvedi and Suzuki, alongside a new left-back, would give Farke a settled and considerably strengthened defensive unit heading into his second season in the Premier League.