Leeds United plans for Max Wober emerge amid permanent exit speculation
Leeds United do intend to use Max Wober if they are promoted back to the Premier League this season, according to Rheinische Post.
Sky Sports in Austria relayed on 19 October the report from the German publication that, despite permanent transfer interest from current side Borussia Monchengladbach, the Whites would want to bring the defender back if they are successful in getting out of the Championship.
It had previously been reported from the same source that a deal between the two clubs would depend on whether Leeds United failed to go up, with the latest information suggesting the Whites would be “willing to talk” due to a need for additional income.
But it seems that promotion would not simply complicate a potential deal, or make it more expensive, but end one altogether as Leeds “plan” to use the 26-year-old back in the top flight.
Unexpected reprieve?
Clearly the entire equation rests on Daniel Farke leading his side into an automatic promotion spot or all the way through the play-offs, but results so far give cause to tentative optimism.
The manner of Wober’s late about-face and exit during the summer, amid a feeling that he had committed to staying [Athletic, 4 October], might suggest he had burned his bridges at Elland Road, while Angus Kinnear hinted that the current loan arrangements were largely with a view to sell next summer [The Square Ball, 7 September].
But it would appear that since the manager apparently helped the Austrian defender make the decision to leave when informed of the change there relationship remains positive.
And based on play alone there is good reason to see him back in a Whites shirt if the club can make it to the top flight, given he was surely the best performing defender last season, from an admittedly weak field.
Joe Rodon’s signing from Tottenham has greatly softened the blow of losing Wober but the Welshman would be slated to head back to Spurs at the end of his own loan unless a deal can be worked out.
And additionally Willy Gnonto’s reintegration into the team despite attempts to leave shows that it can be done and fans can come back around if performances are good, so perhaps Wober’s Leeds United career is not yet over.
In other Leeds United news, another of the loan departures looks like he is very much done as a member of the Whites.