INEOS officially loan left-back to Leeds United

Leeds United have wasted little time reshaping their squad this summer at Elland Road.

The Yorkshire club has completed five additions while assembling a group capable of meeting the challenges of the new campaign.

However, numbers alone are never enough, with squad balance as important as the volume of business completed before the deadline.

That recruitment drive has underlined Leeds’ desire to give their team greater quality and depth across the pitch.

Now, The Whites have announced the signing of OGC Nice left-back Melvin Bard on loan, with Leeds also securing an option to make the transfer permanent.

Confirming the agreement, Leeds United said: “Leeds United are delighted to announce the signing of defender Melvin Bard, who joins the club from French side OGC Nice.

“The left-back makes the switch to Elland Road on loan with the option to make permanent, becoming our sixth summer signing.”

The 25-year-old developed in Lyon’s academy before progressing into senior football, making his debut during a 4-0 Ligue 1 victory over Nîmes in 2019.

Leeds continued: “The following campaign, the full-back featured 18 more times for OL which was enough for fellow French outfit OGC Nice to come calling for his signature in 2021.

“During his first term at the Allianz Riviera, the versatile defender enjoyed 37 outings in all competitions, scoring twice to help the club to a fifth-place finish and the final of the Coupe de France.”

That impressive opening campaign secured European qualification, allowing Bard to gain experience beyond French domestic football as Nice competed on the continental stage.

The announcement added: “Those achievements ensured qualification for the Europa Conference League where Bard starred eight times in the competition proper as Les Aiglons reached the quarter-finals.

“With Nice continuing to compete at the top of French football over the following few years, the 25-year-old was a regular in the side and added further impressive experience to his CV with 11 UEFA Europa League outings.”

Bard also represented France throughout the youth levels and was selected for their squad at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, where he made two appearances.

His arrival gives Leeds another option on the left side of their defence, while the permanent clause allows the club to assess his suitability before committing beyond the coming season.

Leeds concluded: “Melvin becomes our sixth signing of an exciting summer and everyone at Leeds United would like to welcome him to the club!”