Manchester United beat Leeds United on penalties in their pre-season meeting in Dublin this week, but the result has done little to shift attention away from Leeds’ busy summer in the transfer market.
James Trafford showed why Leeds were prepared to break their transfer record for him, putting in an impressive display against United after joining from Manchester City.
Tarik Muharemovic and Harry Wilson have also made positive impressions during pre-season and look set to have important roles in Daniel Farke’s plans for the new campaign.
However, Leeds still have plenty of work to do before the transfer window closes. The Whites are expected to make a few more additions while also trying to move several players on to trim the squad and create space for further signings.
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Leeds United transfer exit delayed
Daniel Farke has indicated that Sebastiaan Bornauw wants to leave Leeds this summer, after spending just one season at Elland Road.
German club Hamburg are in talks with Leeds to secure a deal for the signature of the Belgian centre-back in the ongoing summer transfer window.
They were expecting to finalise a deal this week, but according to Hamburger Morgenpost, the deal is now likely to be delayed by a few days.
Bornauw is not expected to be in Germany this week, and a deal is not expected to be done before Hamburg fly out to France on Friday for a pre-season friendly this weekend
However, that does not mean a deal is off; the German club will have to wait beyond the weekend to secure an agreement for the defender’s signature.
Leeds have already made a move to replace Bornauw, and have agreed personal terms with Borussia Monchengladbach defender Nico Elvedi.
They are expected to table a bid soon, and Elvedi is now likely to join Leeds in the coming days.
Nico Elvedi would be a solid replacement for Sebastiaan Bornauw
Sebastiaan Bornauw was a useful player for Leeds United, but he never really had enough opportunities to establish himself as a reliable back-up option.
Nico Elvedi would be a strong replacement. The Swiss defender has plenty of experience at the highest level in one of Europe’s major leagues and already knows Daniel Farke from their time together.
Elvedi is also a regular for Switzerland, so he would bring valuable experience and quality to Leeds’ defence. If the deal comes off, it could prove to be another smart piece of recruitment.
The 49ers have generally made some good decisions in the transfer market in recent seasons, and Elvedi could be the latest example. Leeds are clearly looking to improve on the team that finished 14th last season, particularly with so many of their Premier League rivals strengthening around them.
