There are “extensive negotiations” now underway between Leeds United and Borussia Monchengladbach over a permanent deal for Max Wober, according to Gladbach Live.
The German outlet reported via their website on 2 January that with no current option included in the loan move that took the Austrian to the Bundesliga in the summer the two sides are in ongoing talks over a long-term resolution.
Despite suggestions that there would be a route for the 25-year-old to return to Elland Road should Daniel Farke get the Whites promoted to the Premier League, The Athletic’s Phil Hay has since reported that the club don’t expect him to play for them again.
Wober has been a regular for Monchengladbach this season, starting every league game but one which he missed with an illness.
Ship sailed?
All things being equal the former Red Bull Salzburg defender would be an asset in the squad next season based on a decent showing after his January arrival last term.
But his about-turn in the summer that saw him depart after initially suggesting he would be happy to stay [Leeds Live, 6 July] likely means it would require commitment on both sides to reunite properly.
If that isn’t necessarily there from the club’s side and Wober is wanted in Germany then it may be easier for everyone to move forward.
Whether his current side can come up with the money to satisfy Leeds United is likely the primary question now, although it wouldn’t take much for the club to make their money back on his £11million arrival [Sky Sports].
A lot can change over the months between now and the end of his loan deal so it would be premature to say never in terms of him continuing for the Whites.
But if discussions are already underway at this early stage over keeping him in the Bundesliga it looks unlikely that he will be back.
