It only feels like the summer window was a couple of weeks ago, but already the January market is honing into view and one Leeds United player has been discussing his future at Elland Road.
The summer saw eight players join the club, while eight more were sold. Plenty left at the end of their contracts like Liam Cooper, Jamie Shackleton, Cody Drameh and Luke Ayling all exited on free transfers.
More left on loan, with Victor Orta’s relegation clause able to be re-used by Jack Harrison and Rasmus Kristensen. But for Max Wober and the other five loanees, that was not the case in the recent window.
Brenden Aaronson and Wober returned to Elland Road, while Robin Koch, Luis Sinisterra, Marc Roca and Diego Llorente departed permanently. But Wober has had a tough first half to the 2024-25 season.
Max Wober responds when asked if he wants Leeds United exit
This is a player who is a regular with his National squad, has played in major tournaments and the Champions League and last season was a consistent part of a mid-table Bundesliga side in Gladbach.
So, to be sitting on the bench at Leeds is going to raise eyebrows. Wober has had to deal with knee and hamstring injuries, and even have an operation, limiting him to just one appearance in the Carabao Cup.
He was asked by Salzburger Nachrichten if he could leave Leeds in January, and he responded by saying that his only focus is getting fit – and he understands why Daniel Farke is not starting him in the team.
“Things are going really well, I understand the coach. No reason to change anything. Have to stay patient, work hard. But I’m not thinking about a transfer at all, it hasn’t been an issue. The focus is on getting fit.”
Max Wober knows what he has to do to start for Leeds this term
But it is going to be difficult. Leeds have one of the best defensive records in the division, and Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon have started all 15 Championship games this season in the middle of the defence.
Speaking earlier this month, Wober says he knows he has to replace Struijk and that is the aim. Wober was an unused substitute in Austria’s first outing of the international break, but play again later today.
It might be that Wober gets a bit of game time against Slovenia and while Farke will be hoping Leeds players don’t get injured, he will be hoping Wober gets some minutes during the international break.
If Leeds are to sell in January, then it is reported The 49ers wanted £12.5m for Wober.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
