Leeds United: Max Wober u-turn could be on the cards unless something drastic changes - View | OneFootball

Max Wober's happiness at Leeds United might not last forever

Max Wober’s Leeds United future is settled for the time being and the Austrian defender has made it clear that he’s happy at Elland Road.

The centre-back spent last season on loan with Borussia Monchengladbach, making 25 appearances in the German top flight as the team came 14th in the table (all stats from Fbref).

His return to Elland Road led to speculation that a permanent departure could be on the cards, especially given the Whites were still in the Championship after their play-off final loss to Southampton.

Even as recently as the start of this month, reports from Takvim indicated that Galatasaray had an interest in the player in the days leading up to the transfer window in Turkey closing.

But Daniel Farke has made it clear that nobody will be leaving Leeds at this stage of the season, with the English transfer window closed until January.

“I haven’t really thought about this to be honest, never say never but we’re not tempted,” said the Leeds boss, via the Yorkshire Evening Post (13.47).

“Our group is not too big right now, 99.9% we will not lose any players.”

Max Wober expresses happiness at Leeds situation

Wober has been integrated back into the first team squad for this season, but has yet to feature for the club in the Championship after five games, finding himself behind Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon in the pecking order and struggling for fitness.

Despite his lack of game time, the defender revealed during the international break that he is still happy at Elland Road.

“We are three central defenders who are at a very similar level,” said Wober, via Sky Sports Austria.

“If we remain successful and nothing happens, I wouldn’t change much as a coach.

“So I have to stand back and wait for the chance.

“I’m at Leeds, that’s a perfect fit for me.

“I never said that I absolutely wanted to leave.

“I accepted this challenge, but I know that it won’t be easy to work my way back to the same position as before.

“The chance to play in the Premier League again is huge because on paper we have the best team and a broad squad.

“Our goal is clearly promotion.”

But Leeds must be wary that this happiness may not last forever if he is to continue being on the bench every week.

Leeds must plan for potential Wober u-turn

Wober is the third choice centre-back at Leeds, and the only other player beyond Struijk and Rodon in the squad for which that is his natural position.

Given he was playing in the Bundesliga last year, and is an Austria international, he must be frustrated to some extent to be left on the bench in the Championship.

If this continues into the next couple of months, then it shouldn’t shock the club if his stance on his future at the club takes a u-turn.

Leeds need to be careful here, as it is a position where they seriously lack depth and cannot afford to lose yet another option.

While Ethan Ampadu can plug into the backline if needed, he is better used in his natural midfield position, and taking him from there would weaken the team; he was part of a solid defence in the second-half of last season, but there's no denying Leeds' tilt for the top-two suffered without his control in midfield.