Leeds United are reportedly preparing an official bid to sign RB Salzburg captain Maximilian Wober, with talks set to take place over a deal that could cost the Whites €16 million with add-ons.
Leeds United are reportedly weighing up an official offer for Red Bull Salzburg defender and captain Maximilian Wober as manager Jesse Marsch looks to add defensive reinforcements during the January transfer window. That is according to Fabrizio Romano, who claims that the Whites are set to open talks over a deal that could reach €16 million, including add-ons.
If an agreement is reached between the two clubs, Wober would become the Yorkshire club’s third recruit from Red Bull Salzburg in only two transfer windows. The Whites already raided the Austrian Bundesliga champions for Brenden Aaronson and Rasmus Kristensen during the summer window, with Marsch seeking yet another reunion at Elland Road.
The Peacocks are on the lookout for a new left-back and a new striker heading into 2023 in a bid to bolster Jesse Marsch’s squad for what’s going to be a challenging second half to the season.
In particular, the Yorkshire club are in desperate need of a left back after Junior Firpo has struggled massively with form and fitness since his highly-anticipated move from FC Barcelona two seasons ago. His performances have left a lot to be desired, and he has come under extensive criticism from the Whites’ faithful.
Pascal Struijk has done brilliantly as cover in Firpo’s absence given that he is not a left-back. But that disturbs the balance in central defence, with skipper Liam Cooper also struggling to cope with the rigours of Premier League football after niggling injuries.
A variety of left-backs have been mentioned, including Philadelphia Union defender Kai Wagner. Yet Wober is one that seriously catches the eye given his past connections with Leeds boss Marsch and the versatility of having played at left-back and centre-back regularly.
Wober has previously worked with the American coach during his time at Salzburg and could be the answer to their defensive problems in January, with the Whites leaking goals for fun at the moment.
A solid, strong ball-playing left-footed defender, the 24-year-old is well-traveled despite being relatively young, having already experienced playing in La Liga, the Eredivisie, and the Champions League in his career thus far, so he would bring plenty of experience with him if he were to make the move to Elland Road.
He has impressed with RB Salzburg since joining from Sevilla in the summer of 2019, having turned out 125 times for Salzburg, scoring nine goals and providing the same number of assists in the process. The Austrian international has also racked up 13 caps for his country as well, so he is certainly highly rated.
As things stand, the Whites are planning to make a bid for the 24-year-old. However, it is still not clear what Red Bull Salzburg are demanding for the services of Austria international.
