Football
Leeds Resigned to Losing Maximilian Wöber for Free as Injury Woes Continue
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Leeds United FC v Middlesbrough FC - Sky Bet Championship by George Wood | Getty Images
Leeds United are set to lose Maximilian Wöber for free next summer after Werder Bremen decided against signing him permanently, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.
The defender moved to Elland Road for £10million in 2023 and our sources understand Leeds were hoping to recoup at least half of that transfer fee this summer.
He was shipped out on loan to Werder Bremen after Daniel Farke led the Whites back to the Premier League last term, a campaign where Wöber’s game time was limited due to injury.
Our sources have been told Leeds’ bosses hoped that impressing on his Bundesliga return, and proving his fitness, would convince Werder Bremen to sign him permanently in the summer.
It is understood the German club were open to the idea, without having a formal clause inserted into the contract, but the Austrian international’s injury nightmare this season has scuppered any chances of a deal being struck.
At the very least, the temporary switch was an opportunity for the 27-year-old to put himself in the shop window ahead of a potential move.
But he managed made just one cup appearance for the club, back in August, before developing a hamstring injury. Unfortunately, it became a major tear and he was failed to play a minute of competitive football since.
Leeds could also face a major defensive blow with interest growing in Pascal Struijk, as Tottenham, Aston Villa and Newcastle United are all monitoring the centre-back, with the club reportedly setting a £30m valuation amid rising Premier League attention.
Struck Down Again
It was hoped that he was nearing full fitness and a potential return for the run-in, but Wöber, who could be forgiven for feeling he is cursed, suffered a setback whilst on a training camp with Austria.
Wöber is contracted at in Yorkshire until the summer of 2027, but with no suitors likely this summer after his injury woes the best he can hope for is a loan move next season with a hope of signing as a free agent.
Speaking when he moved on loan, Wöber said: “Leeds has already made it clear to me that they want to sell me.”
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