Borussia Mönchengladbach chief admits Nico Elvedi’s Leeds United transfer ‘hurts’

Borussia Mönchengladbach director of football Rouven Schröder has admitted Nico Elvedi’s move to Leeds United is a painful loss both on and off the pitch after the defender ended his 11-year stay in Germany.

Leeds completed the signing of the 29-year-old Switzerland international on Wednesday, giving Daniel Farke an experienced new option for his defence.

For Gladbach, however, the transfer means saying goodbye to a player Schröder believes deserves to be considered a genuine club legend.

Elvedi originally joined Borussia Mönchengladbach for around €4m in 2015 and became one of their most dependable players.

The centre-back went on to make 364 competitive appearances across 11 years, establishing himself as a senior figure in the dressing room.

Although a departure had been possible for several summers, Schröder admitted finally losing the defender was still difficult.

“You have to be careful with the word, but Nico Elvedi is a true Borussia legend,” Schröder said.

“Eleven years at the club, 364 competitive matches, always a key performer and a leader who didn’t need many words. A loss like this hurts – both in sporting and personal terms.”

The comments underline the level of experience Leeds have added to their squad.

Gladbach were not actively trying to force Elvedi out of the club.

Instead, Schröder confirmed the defender had made it clear that he wanted a new challenge at this point in his career.

Leeds provided that opportunity, while also offering Elvedi the chance to reunite with Daniel Farke.

Schröder explained that Elvedi's service and professionalism meant Gladbach felt they should respect his wishes, provided Leeds met their financial requirements.

“It was Nico’s express wish to seek a new challenge at this stage of his career,” he explained.

“With a player of his standing – who has always conducted himself in an exemplary manner regarding this matter – respect dictates that we honour this wish, provided the financial terms are right. That scenario has now come to pass.”

The switch should also be made easier by Elvedi already knowing important figures at Leeds.

He previously worked under Farke and will also link up with Switzerland teammate Noah Okafor at Elland Road.

At 29, Elvedi arrives with extensive Bundesliga and international experience, while his longevity at Gladbach demonstrates the reliability Leeds will hope he can bring to their back line.

For the German club, meanwhile, replacing more than a decade of experience will not be straightforward.

Elvedi can now focus on settling quickly into Farke's squad and competing for a place in the Leeds defence.

His experience could prove particularly valuable as Leeds look for stability at the back, while Gladbach must now replace a player who had been part of their defensive structure for more than a decade.

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