Sport nationLeeds United manager Daniel Farke has provided an update on the future of Max Wober, amid speculation surrounding the defender’s potential departure from the club. Wober, who spent last season on loan at Borussia Monchengladbach, has been linked with a permanent move away from Leeds, but Farke has hinted that he sees the Austrian international as part of his plans for the upcoming season.
Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds following Leeds’ 3-0 pre-season friendly win over Harrogate Town, Farke confirmed that Wober is due to return to the club for testing and could join up with the first team as early as Sunday. “First of all, we will have the guys back with Brenden Aaronson and Max Wober. This will be beneficial for us,” Farke said. “Max will arrive tomorrow and start with some testing. Hopefully, also from Sunday onwards with us in the first team on the pitch. It is important to have these lads back.”
Wober’s future at Leeds has been the subject of much speculation in recent weeks, with the defender himself admitting that he was unsure of what the future held. However, Farke’s comments suggest that Wober could yet play a key role in Leeds’ plans for the upcoming season.
One potential role for Wober could be in a new-look back three, with Farke experimenting with a formation reshuffle during the win over Harrogate. The Leeds boss deployed a back five/three formation, with Junior Firpo and Dan James playing as wing-backs and Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon, and James Debayo lining up in the centre of defence.
Wober’s skillset could suit this position perfectly, adding to a defence that already looks strong on paper. Jayden Bogle is close to joining Leeds and would provide additional depth at right-wing-back, while Firpo could continue to play on the left flank. Rodon, Wober, and Pascal Struijk would then form a formidable three-man defence, shielded by Ethan Ampadu.
Farke’s willingness to experiment with different formations could be a sign that he is looking to adapt his tactics to suit the players at his disposal. The Leeds boss has already shown his ability to adapt, having switched to a back four during the second half of last season.
Leeds United’s Max Wober clears from West Ham United’s Jarrod Bowen during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Leeds United at London Stadium on April 25, 2023. (Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images)
Wober’s potential return to the Leeds team could also have a significant impact on the club’s chances of success in the upcoming season. The Austrian international is a talented defender who has already shown his ability in the Premier League. His addition to the squad would provide Farke with a wealth of options in defence, allowing him to rotate his players and keep them fresh throughout the season.
In addition to Wober, Leeds have also been linked with a move for former England manager Roy Hodgson’s “talented” new transfer target. The identity of the player in question is yet to be confirmed, but it is clear that Leeds are looking to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season.
With Wober potentially set to return to the fold, Leeds United fans will be eagerly awaiting the start of the new season. The club’s pre-season friendly win over Harrogate Town was a promising sign of things to come, and Farke’s willingness to experiment with different formations could be a sign that he is looking to adapt his tactics to suit the players at his disposal.
As the transfer window continues to heat up, Leeds United fans will be keeping a close eye on developments at Elland Road. With Wober potentially set to return to the fold, the club’s chances of success in the upcoming season are already looking promising.
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