Leeds United defender Max Womber. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Leeds United could pursue a swap deal to allow defender Max Wober to leave for RB Salzburg in January.
That’s according to journalist Graeme Bailey, who believes Leeds could use their Red Bull connections this winter.
Wober joined Leeds from Salzburg in January 2023, but left the club on loan for Borussia Monchengladbach following their relegation from the Premier League.
After 27 caps for Germany and three appearances at Euro 2024 for Austria, Wober returned to Elland Road this summer.
However, since then, he has played just 100 minutes in three appearances in all competitions, with just 37 of those coming in the Championship.
Leeds are pushing for a swap deal in the departure of Max Wober
Salzburg are understood to be keen to bring Wober back this January as they look to improve on their shocking fifth-place finish in Austria — with talks already taking place between the two clubs.
Negotiations could go ahead thanks to Salzburg’s owners, Red Bull, recently acquiring a minority stake in Leeds United.
However, according to Bailey, Leeds still see Wober as a valuable part of their squad and could push for players from their Red Bull counterparts in return for the defender’s departure.
“We’ve been told that Leeds, now part of the Red Bull network, are in regular contact and as part of those talks, there have been discussions about Wober and a possible loan move to Salzburg,” Bailey said (via Leeds Everywhere).
“Wober is concerned about his lack of playing time, but Leeds generally believe he has a big role to play. However, there are players at both Leipzig and Salzburg who are available and could help cover for Wober while bolstering Leeds’ options.
“We’re told talks are ongoing, and even if Wober doesn’t leave – we could well see players arriving at Elland Road from elsewhere in the Red Bull network.”
