Leeds United are a club who have been heavily touted in the summer transfer window and one of the biggest questions on fans’ minds is the future of Max Wöber.
Leeds signed the 26-year-old Austrian center-back to bolster their third-level defense, but could sell him again before August 30.
Interest from Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach means Wöber’s long-term future at Elland Road remains far from certain.
Wöber’s Journey So Far
This January, Max Wöber crossed from RB Salzburg to Leeds United and agreed to take the leap for his current club in the Premier League.
But he was never able to keep them up, and now they are in the Championship.
A return to Germany for Wöber may be an option as he has previous Bundesliga experience having enjoyed a successful spell with Borussia Monchengladbach.
Flexible to play at center-back and left back, Wöber established himself as a key figure during his maiden season but this new season has seen him start on the bench, with manager Daniel Farke preferring other defensive options.
Wöber was left out of the Leeds squad entirely for their first Championship game, leading to suggestions he could be moving on.
Farke’s Dilemma: To Play or Not to Play?
New Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has a big call to make. So should he keep deploying Wöber in the following matches, or switch back to his present formation?
However, football pundit Graham Smyth thinks it would be wise for Wöber to get some action and suggested he could feature against Middlesbrough in the EFL Cup tie on August 14.
Smyth suggests that if there is a possibility Wöber could stick around at Leeds, Farke should allow him to show what he can do and replenish the faith of the Elland Road faithful.
The competition, nevertheless, is maintained. Joe Rodon has come in at Leeds and Pascal Struijk has performed well defensively.
With Junior Firpo a more attackingly minded left-back, there is also doubt as to whether Wöber will retain his place in the squad.
Interest from Borussia Monchengladbach
The 21-year-old is a target for former club Borussia Monchengladbach, their Director of Sport Roland Virkus even recently described Wöber as ‘interesting’.
But there is an issue with the transfer fee. Leeds United asking price of £8.5m –£10 million that might be a stumbling block for Monchengladbach.
A deal, if it is to be made, has got to happen soon with the deadline of August 30th approaching.
A return to Germany might be tempting for Wöber. He also had an impressive campaign in the Bundesliga, playing 27 games across all competitions.
However moving now would mean leaving the opportunity to give Leeds another push towards promotion back into the Premier League.
The Fans’ Perspective
There is no real consensus among Leeds United fans about Wöber. Some believe he can make a big difference and be vital in their push for promotion.
Others believe that if his heart isn’t in it, it might be better to let him go and bring in players who are fully committed to the cause.
If Wöber stays, he will have a job on his hands anyway winning back the fans after last year.
It might be worth playing him against Middlesbrough, if for no other reason than to see how much of that true Leeds spirit he possesses (or not).
However, should an acceptable offer be made by a Bundesliga or other club willing to pay the fee Leeds are asking that may well all change.
What’s Next?
Max Wöber and Leeds United are into a key couple of weeks. His decision to stay or leave could play a major role in the club’s season.
This saga will be one that fans keep a close eye on, That is for sure and if Wöber does indeed turn out in the famous white shirt when September arrives.
For now, all eyes are on the EFL Cup match against Middlesbrough. Will Farke give Wöber a chance to shine, or will the Austrian defender be packing his bags for a return to Germany? Only time will tell.
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