Leeds United ‘exodus’ on the cards as Max Wober in first-team group ‘striving’ for Elland Road exit
Max Wober is included in a potential Leeds United “exodus” as multiple first-team players are now “actively” pursuing moves away from the club, according to “trusted sources” of Last Word on Sports.
The Austrian centre-back was arguably the pick of the Elland Road defenders last season following his January arrival from Red Bull Salzburg.
And a 6 July report from Leeds Live had said the 25-year-old was “understood to have made clear he wants to play on in the second tier” and, based on his impact last term, would likely be a regular starter for Daniel Farke.
But the latest report claims that Wober, along with teammates including Jack Harrison, Illan Meslier, Crysencio Summerville and Pascal Struijk are all now “striving for an exit”.
According to Last Word on Sports: “The ultimate factor pushing people towards the exit is the lack of Premier League football at Elland Road. Understandably players want to find their way to the top, and whilst a lot of the squad are staying to return through promotion, others are choosing to move in pursuit of their goals.”
Shaken
While Meslier’s departure is widely expected in light of the pursuits of Karl Darlow and Freddie Woodman as potential replacements, it would be thoroughly destabilising to Farke’s planning if the other names are all trying to go still.
Struijk is perhaps one that would not be hugely missed, although the 23-year-old did reasonably well covering for Junior Firpo at left-back last year and could be a decent back up in the centre also.
Summerville looks like one who could break out in the Championship should he remain next term, and while Harrison might have been one of the first expected to go the 49ers see him as one of the men they would like to keep.
With the takeover now complete Paraag Marathe has made public his intention to keep key names at the club despite relegation.
Wober above all would be a huge blow to Farke as defence is one department where Leeds United are not blessed with high-quality options, and with Robin Koch (Eintracht Frankfurt), Diego Llorente and Rasmus Kristensen (Roma) all having made loan exits the bodies have already been reduced.
The 49ers era officially beginning brings encouragement that some long-awaited stability might follow, but if so many notable names are still trying to escape it may have to be delayed a while yet.
In other Leeds United news, two of the most important assets may be in line for new contract offers to incentivise them to stay at the club says Phil Hay.