Borussia Mönchengladbach’s head of first-team football Nils Schmadtke has heaped praise on Leeds United loanee Max Wöber and has hinted that a permanent deal is possible.
The versatile defender moved to Elland Road from Red Bull Salzburg in January during Jesse Marsch’s reign at the club. The fee was said to be in the region of £11 million, according to Sky Sports.
Upon signing for the Peacocks, the Austrian had a relegation clause inserted into his contract, as per journalist Peter Linden, allowing him to leave in the case of the parent club being condemned to the division below.
Leeds United were relegated down to the Championship last season and so Wöber secured a loan move to Bundesliga outfit Mönchengladbach where he has been excelling this season, starting ever league game so far despite the team’s struggles.
Speaking to BILD after Friday’s 2-2 draw with Mainz, Schmadtke was full of praise for the Leeds loanee [quotes via Leeds United News]:
“A warrior. That’s why we signed him. Max is a guy who radiates something. Max enjoys defending and fighting duels. That’s exactly what we need. He is a leader, a leader.”
When questioned about signing the defender on a permanent basis, Schmadtke did not dismiss the possibility:
“Everything in its own time”.
Transfermarkt have declared Wöber’s value to sit at £12.1 million which is already more than Leeds United paid for the ex-Ajax man back in January, a price tag that may increase should the Austria international continue to perform for the Die Fohlen.
Writer’s View
It is likely that Wöber will never play for Leeds United again given that many supporters will view him as one of the several players who relegated the club and then decided to leave.
However, his loan spell in Germany can be seen as a positive for the Yorkshire club as it will increase his value ahead of the summer.
