Graham Smyth feels Max Wober might yet leave Leeds United before the August 30 transfer deadline.
While Daniel Farke anticipates the Austrian defender playing a role at Elland Road this season [Beren Cross], he is still linked with a move elsewhere, with Borussia Monchengladbach keen in re-signing him [Rheinische Post].
The 26-year-old was an unused substitute in Leeds’ first Championship encounter, but Smyth wants Farke to start him against Middlesbrough in the EFL Cup on Wednesday, August 14.
On Monday (12 August), he told The Square Ball podcast: “You could [give Wober a game].” It’s a wise move. But he intimated that he will stay last season. He recently completed his first season in Germany’s top division, the Bundesliga.
“Now he’s on the bench in England’s second division, at a team he didn’t want to play for a year ago. I doubt he is yearning to stay. We’ll just have to see whether a fresh offer arrives between now and September.
“If you think there’s a chance he’ll stay, give him a run-around against Middlesbrough and suggest he should start. But I’m not sure where he gets in. You’re not taking Pascal [Struijk] out, and Firpo contributes more assists in the last third.”
Will Max Wober leave Leeds United before August 30?
While it looks that Farke wants Wober to continue this season, everyone is aware that he needs to re-establish trust with the Elland Road crowd after leaving last summer.
The centre-back, who can also play left-back, has returned to West Yorkshire following a successful season in the Bundesliga, where he made 27 appearances across all competitions.
However, he is unlikely to see as much playing time for the Whites this season, with Joe Rodon and Struijk forming the back two and Firpo providing greater attacking threat at left-back.
Monchengladbach’s Director of Sport, Roland Virkus, has acknowledged the club’s desire to resign the defender, but the transfer fee appears to be an issue, with Leeds demanding between £8.5 million and £10 million [Kicker, 29 May].
If Farke is so keen on Wober staying with the Whites this summer, fans might expect to see him start against Middlesbrough on Wednesday.
