The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Monday 24th March) Whites reignite Elvedi interest
Good Morning. It's Monday 24th March, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Whites reignite Elvedi interest
Leeds United could be set to reignite their interest in Borussia Monchengladbach defender Nico Elvedi this summer if they achieve promotion to the Premier League, according to prominent journalist Ben Jacobs.
Despite their ongoing Championship drama, the Whites are already looking ahead, and lining up potential targets for a Premier League campaign. Elvedi, a seasoned international with considerable Bundesliga experience, has re-emerged as a key name. Jacobs suggests the Swiss star would be open to a move to the English top tier.
A crucial factor in this potential transfer is Elvedi's prior relationship with current Leeds manager Daniel Farke. The pair previously worked together at Monchengladbach, fostering a familiarity and understanding that could prove pivotal. If Leeds secure a top-two finish, Farke could look to bring in a player he knows and trusts.
While Elvedi reportedly wasn't keen on a move to the Championship, the prospect of Premier League football is said to be appealing. His versatility, capable of playing centre-back and wing-back, further enhances his usefulness. He'll have two years left on his contract, and is likely to cost in the region of £10m.
While Elvedi's experience is undeniable, he will be 29 years old by the start of next season. Leeds fans will be all too aware of older players outstaying their welcome. Does his experience and versatility outweigh the potential risks associated with his age? A Premier League campaign demands a squad with a blend of youth and experience, and finding the right balance will be crucial.
Have Leeds written off Joffy too early
Joe Gelhardt has found a new lease on life at Hull City, and the statistics are proving his worth. According to 'Whoscored', the young forward is now the Tigers' second-best player, a stark contrast to his desolate spell on the Leeds bench.
Joffy's time at Leeds this season was nothing short of barren, accumulating a mere nine minutes of game time. The previous campaign wasn't much better, clocking only 191 minutes. However, since arriving at Hull City, he's been thrust straight into the action, starting eleven out of twelve games. His impact has been undeniable; Hull has picked up a respectable 18 points during this period, a significantly improved ratio compared to their form before his arrival.
Hull City manager Ruben Selles has experimented with him in various positions, but he seems to have found his niche in the No 10 role. In the five games he's played there, Gelhardt has bagged two goals and earned an impressive average rating of 7.16. Interestingly, if he had maintained that rating within the Leeds squad, it would place him second in their roster, a testament to his untapped potential.
This begs the question: have Leeds United been too quick to dismiss him? His performances at Hull City suggest a player brimming with talent and eager to prove himself. Could he still have a future at Elland Road? Perhaps a reassessment is in order, as Gelhardt's Hull City resurgence paints a picture of a player capable of significant contribution.