Leeds United Concerned Over International’s Exit from Elland Road, But Eight-Figure Fee Would Soften the Blow: Opinion

According to Football Insider, Maximilian Wober has a “strong possibility” of leaving Leeds United before the transfer deadline, due to limited playing time behind the current centre-back duo, Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon.

Leeds, keen to reinvest following departures this summer, may part with the 26-year-old Austrian despite previous reports suggesting he would remain at Elland Road this season.

The club will only allow Wober to leave if they receive an appropriate offer, likely seeking a fee similar to the reported £11 million they paid for him.

Wober, who spent the previous season on loan at Borussia Mönchengladbach, is reportedly eager to return to the Bundesliga after making 25 appearances for the German side.

Wober’s Career Since Joining Leeds

The Leeds board is looking to secure an ideal offer for Wober, enabling his departure this summer.

Despite his brief stint at the club, it appears both parties agree that moving on is the best option, as Wober has only played 20 games for Leeds in all competitions and hasn’t met expectations since his arrival in January 2023.

In Germany, Wober thrived in Gladbach’s back three system, contrasting with his struggles in Leeds’ back four.

This issue persisted when he played for Austria in the Euros, where he was a weak link in their otherwise strong group stage performance, including an own goal against France.

However, Austria’s overall success in the tournament slightly boosts Wober’s appeal.

Wober’s last appearance for Leeds was in their 3-0 EFL Cup home defeat to Middlesbrough, where he was substituted after Boro’s second goal at the 60-minute mark, highlighting his struggles.

Manager Daniel Farke seems open to Wober’s departure, as he needs fully committed players.

Potential Bundesliga Return

Wober’s successful stint in Germany may help Leeds secure a good fee for him, particularly from Bundesliga teams that play a back three.

His left-footedness and status as an Austrian international, despite his mixed performances, add value to any potential deal.

Leeds Preparing for Life Without Wober

With Rodon and Struijk expected to be the main centre-back pairing this season, Leeds are also linked with Chelsea centre-back Bashir Humphreys.

According to Fabrizio Romano, there is “concrete interest,” but Burnley is reportedly close to signing Humphreys, which might force Leeds to seek other options.

Letting Wober go without a replacement lined up is risky, but a significant fee would allow Leeds to invest in a quality replacement, whether an immediate fit or a future project.

Ethan Ampadu, who played at the back for Leeds last season alongside Rodon in Struijk’s absence, is also a potential option, though he is primarily needed in midfield.

Currently, Wober seems to be third choice but believes he deserves a starting place, especially after impressing at Mönchengladbach.

However, his poor performance against Middlesbrough may have lowered his value. Leeds will aim for a fee around £10 million, leveraging his slight success last season to maintain his market value.

A return to the Bundesliga could benefit Wober in the long term, and Leeds should pursue a transfer if a substantial offer emerges.

His struggles in the Premier League suggest a move back to Germany would be more suited to his playing style, potentially allowing him to flourish.