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Leeds United have agreed a deal to sign Melvin Bard
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Leeds United have agreed a deal to sign Melvin Bard
Leeds United have agreed a deadline-day deal with OGC Nice to sign left-back Melvin Bard on an initial season-long loan, according to L'Equipe.
They will pay a €1 million loan fee, with a non-mandatory option to make the transfer permanent next summer for €5m. Bard is scheduled to fly to Yorkshire for his medical.
The Whites acted decisively late in the transfer window to address defensive depth and strengthen their full-back options.
Bard, who can play as a traditional left-back or as a left wing-back, has been brought in to provide direct competition for Gabriel Gudmundsson.
West Ham United made a late bid, but Nice approved Leeds' proposal after Bard expressed a preference to join them.
Bard joins Leeds with significant top-flight experience, having made over 190 appearances for Nice since joining from Lyon in 2021.
Known for his tackling and overlapping runs, the 'exceptional' Frenchman adds quality to the Whites' backline.
Nice were able to sanction Bard's departure after lining up Eintracht Frankfurt's Niels Nkounkou as his replacement.
By securing a non-mandatory buy option instead of an immediate purchase, Leeds maintain financial flexibility while filling a key squad need.
With financial terms finalised, Leeds expect no administrative issues as they aim to complete Bard's registration before the transfer deadline.
Leeds may still make one more move in the market with attacking reinforcements still being eyed.
Chelsea's Mykhailo Mudryk was previously a target, but he is now set to join Tottenham Hotspur, where he will reunite with manager Roberto De Zerbi.
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