Daniel Farke was ‘surprised’ by Max Wober’s late decision to leave Leeds United – Phil Hay
Daniel Farke was left surprised by Max Wober’s decision to depart Leeds United to join Borussia Monchengladbach on loan this summer, according to Phil Hay.
The defender had decided to remain at Elland Road following relegation to the Championship and help them in their fight to return to the Premier League but quickly changed his mind when the Germans tried to sign him.
Having only joined Leeds in January, the late decision reportedly “hurt” the Austrian’s teammates [Beren Cross, 31 July] but also took Farke by surprise given how far into pre-season preparation his side was.
Discussing the transfer, Hay wrote for The Athletic (4 October): “Wober, the Austria international, was the first major disappointment for Leeds in the close season, someone who had indicated his intention to stay in the wake of relegation but then surprised Farke by going to him 24 hours before a friendly against Monaco and telling him that he planned to accept an offer from Gladbach.”
Better without
Wober’s handling of his situation at Elland Road has rightly left a sour taste in the mouth of nearly everyone associated with Leeds United and it’s hard to imagine how he could’ve handled his entire exit in a much worse manner.
Plenty of players left the Whites this summer and given some of the chaos towards the end of the transfer window, the Austrian’s exit has almost fallen by the wayside with fans and staff at Elland Road much more frustrated by the actions of Tyler Adams and Luis Sinisterra.
Ultimately, these players’ departures may prove to be vital pieces of business for Farke to be able to build a squad that is capable of returning to the Premier League, especially given the German’s insistence that he needs a squad of players pulling in the same direction to have success.
The Whites have started the season excellently, barring the odd hiccup that has to be expected when playing in the Championship and Joe Rodon’s performances at the heart of defence have likely left very few fans inside Elland Road pining for the return of Wober.
Like Sinisterra and many others, it is hard to see a way back for the returning loanees next summer, should they come back to Leeds at the end of the campaign. Even if Farke accepts them, will the fans be able to?
In other Leeds United news, the Whites have formalised their intention to sue if Everton are found guilty of breaking FFP rules