Borussia Mönchengladbach sporting director Rouven Schröder has expressed high praise for Nico Elvedi as the Swiss defender makes his transition to Leeds United. Elvedi departs from Borussia-Park after an impressive eleven-year stint, during which he made 364 competitive appearances. Reports indicate that Leeds has secured the 29-year-old defender for a fee of €10 million, with Elvedi committing to a contract through 2029.

“You have to be careful with the word, but Nico Elvedi is a true Borussia legend,” Schröder remarked. “Eleven years at the club, 364 competitive appearances, always a key performer and a leader without many words. A loss like this hurts, both sporting-wise and personally.

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“With a player who has achieved what he has and who has always behaved absolutely impeccably as well, respect demands that we grant him this wish, provided the financial conditions are right,” Schröder added. “That scenario has now occurred.”

Elvedi joined Gladbach from FC Zürich when he was just 18 years old back in 2015, becoming a mainstay in the squad throughout his tenure. He netted 19 goals in his 364 competitive matches.

In reflecting on his departure, Elvedi acknowledged the challenge of leaving, noting that Borussia became “like a family” during his eleven years in Germany. He will now link up again with former Gladbach head coach Daniel Farke at Leeds, whom he identified as a significant reason for making the move to England.

GGFN | Peter Weis

Borussia Mönchengladbach sporting director Rouven Schröder has paid glowing tribute to Nico Elvedi following the Swiss defender’s move to Leeds United. Elvedi leaves Borussia-Park after eleven years and 364 competitive appearances. Leeds are reportedly paying €10m for the 29-year-old, who has signed a contract through 2029.

“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 appearances, always a key performer and a leader without many words. A loss like this hurts, both sporting-wise and personally.

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“With a player who has achieved what he has and who has always behaved absolutely impeccably as well, respect demands that we grant him this wish, provided the financial conditions are right,” Schröder continued. “That scenario has now occurred.”

Elvedi joined Gladbach from FC Zürich as an 18-year-old in 2015 and remained a regular throughout virtually his entire spell with the club. He scored 19 goals across his 364 competitive appearances.

The defender himself admitted that leaving was difficult, describing Borussia as having become “like a family” during his eleven years in Germany. Elvedi will now reunite with former Gladbach head coach Daniel Farke at Leeds, whom he described as an important factor behind his decision to move to England.

GGFN | Peter Weis