Having just signed Nico Elvedi and for a fee thought to be in the region of £8.9 million, I think represents superb business for us.
Understood to be a direct replacement for Sebastiaan Bornauw, regardless of whether we bring in another centre-back or not, I think is very smart. Highly experienced, the Switzerland international (with in excess of 70 caps to his name), will contribute a considerable amount to our already, impressive defensive repertoire.
This is something I definitely was not confident in stating four years ago. With Tarik Muharemovic having already been brought in; a statement signing nonetheless, as well as being a replacement (and, upgrade in my opinion) for Pascal Struijk, adding Elvedi, I believe is also an improvement on Bornauw.
Despite the German not really putting a foot wrong last season, while playing more of a squad role, I think Elvedi offers a bit more; although Bornauw was slightly taller.
Composed on the ball and with a superb ability to read the game, the right-sided centre back provides balance and great cover for Joe Rodon while he could also cover just as well for Jaka Bijol in the middle – especially with pace either side of him.
Having played a considerable amount of his early career at right-back as well, he provides wide half-space coverage in this position when our first choice right wing-back (Jayden Bogle when fit) bombs forward.
The Ying And Yang Axis: Why Elvedi And Muharemovic Are Made For Each Other
What I find interesting is that it appears, both Elvedi and Muharemovic are well-suited either side of Bijol, because they have different defensive traits (as I’ve highlighted in the table below) which will only help us going forward. Having that defensive variety means Farke will be able to interchange depending on the opposition we are playing.
| Tactical Metric/Trait | Nico Elvedi | Tarik Muharemovic | Tactical Synergy In Daniel Farke’s 3-4-2-1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preferred Foot & Side | Right-Footed (RCB/Hybrid RB) | Left-Footed (LCB) | Natural Width: Opens up natural outward passing angles to both touchlines. |
| Defensive Style | Positional, calm, low-foul sweeper | Front-foot, aggressive, high-tackle | Yin & Yang Balance: Muharemovic attacks the ball; Elvedi sweeps up behind him. |
| Career Pass Completion | 91.5% (Bundesliga) | 84.8% (Serie A) | Build-Up Reliability: Elvedi acts as the press-resistant baseline under intense pressure. |
| Aerial Duel Win Rate | ~62.5% | ~66.7% | Box Sovereignty: Both stand 1.89m–1.92m, solving set-piece vulnerabilities. |
| Disciplinary Record | ~2–3 Yellows/0 Reds per 30 games | ~7 Yellows/1 Red per 30 games | Temperament Balance: Elvedi’s veteran calm tempers Muharemovic’s high-octane edge. |
| Senior International Caps | 70+ Caps (Switzerland) | 17 Caps (Bosnia & Herzegovina) | Pedigree Bridge: Elvedi brings World Cup & European knockout experience. |
Elvedi’s calmness in possession, no doubt comes from experience and having played the majority of his career in a competitive Bundesliga against top attackers, I do like this. Balanced against the aggression of Muharemovic and, by extension, Bijol, Elvedi will give us somewhat of a sleek, silky edge.
What I also like is Elvedi’s disciplinary record. At times last season, we gave away needless fouls on the edge of our own 18-yard box, though his intelligence will come in useful in helping to prevent this from happening.
The Domino Effect: How Elvedi’s Arrival Reshapes The Remaining Window
With the start of the new Premier League season imminent, it will be interesting to see what happens next for us as far as recruitment goes. I’ve been blown away by what we’ve been able to achieve so far, despite missing out on a couple of targets, which is generally inevitable regardless of which club you are.
Having Elvedi, Muharemovic, Bijol, Rodon and even the highly versatile and adept James Justin, I think demonstrates brilliant defensive recruitment on our behalf over the years. Especially when you factor in the arrival of England number one in waiting, James Trafford between the sticks, giving even more defensive confidence. If that wasn’t enough, we have our superb captain, Ethan Ampadu patrolling in front of the back three (who can also slot in there if needed).
What I think is likely is we bring in cover at left wing-back, obviously a number two in goal, a striker and a number 10 to provide competition and cover while, should the opportunity present itself at the right price and we wanted to be ambitious, then possibly a hybrid defensive midfielder/central midfielder.
In my opinion, if Ampadu gets injured, I think we need an upgrade on Ilia Gruev there who was competent last season, without pulling up any trees.
For now at least, Elvedi is through the door, further cementing our status as a Premier League club capable of pushing on.
