“Max Wober Drops Bombshell on Leeds United Future as Bamford Faces Brutal Exit Shock!”
Leeds United defender Maximilian Wöber has finally spoken out about his feelings regarding staying at Elland Road after a summer filled with speculation about his future. Despite strong claims that he was eager to leave, Wöber has clarified his stance, while Patrick Bamford has been told why he’s fortunate to have avoided being sold by Leeds this summer.
Daniel Farke and his team had to endure a challenging summer following their failure to secure promotion, with the heartbreak of missing out in the play-off final leading to the sales of Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville, and Georginio Rutter. These sales, along with 13 other player departures, allowed Leeds to generate a staggering £140 million.
One of the surprising players to stay, however, was Austrian defender Wöber. The 26-year-old, who joined Leeds in January 2023 for £10.1m from Red Bull Salzburg, generally performed well, even though he couldn’t prevent the club’s relegation from the Premier League just four months after his arrival.
Like many Leeds players, Wöber’s contract included a loan exit clause, and despite initially pledging his commitment to Leeds’ promotion push, he upset Farke by joining Borussia Mönchengladbach on a season-long loan. Wöber made 27 appearances for the Bundesliga side, who expressed interest in signing him permanently, but with Leeds demanding £8.5m for him, Gladbach backed out, leaving Wöber in an awkward position upon his return to Elland Road.
Wöber opens up about staying at Leeds
Despite rumors of another transfer, Wöber stayed at Leeds, though he now finds himself behind Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon in the defensive pecking order. With Struijk in strong form, Wöber has been limited to just one appearance this season, a 3-0 defeat to Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup.
While some might expect Wöber to be frustrated, he recently spoke to *Sky Sports Austria* while on international duty, explaining that he understands the situation. “We are three central defenders at a similar level. If things are going well, I wouldn’t change much as a coach. So I have to wait for my chance,” he said.
Wöber also addressed rumors about wanting to leave, describing his situation at Leeds as “perfect” and insisting he never said he wanted to leave. “I’m at Leeds, and that’s a perfect fit for me. I accepted this challenge, but I know it won’t be easy to regain my position,” he added. Wöber remains focused on helping Leeds secure promotion, stating that the team has the quality to return to the Premier League.
Bamford told he’s ‘fallen off’ and is lucky to still be at Leeds
Another player who stayed at Leeds is Patrick Bamford, one of the last remaining members of the squad from the club’s 2020 promotion campaign. Despite signing a contract extension in 2021 after scoring 17 Premier League goals, Bamford has struggled with injuries and form, managing just nine goals last season.
Now 30, Bamford has lost his starting spot to 20-year-old Mateo Joseph, who has impressed with his hunger and energy. Former Leeds midfielder Carlton Palmer has criticized Bamford’s recent performances, saying the striker’s career has “fallen off” and that he’s lucky to still be at the club.
Palmer told *Football League World*, “Bamford has proven he can score in the Championship, but injuries have held him back. I’m surprised he didn’t leave, because Leeds need a striker who can score 20 goals and stay fit, and Bamford hasn’t been able to do that in recent seasons.”
Bamford’s future at Leeds remains uncertain, with his form and fitness continuing to be a point of concern as the club looks to push for promotion this season.