“GOODBYE FLOP?” Leeds United completing first sale of the window, £3.6m wages saved – Sky Sports journalist Confirms

Max Wöber set for Werder Bremen move as Leeds United offload £3.6m wages

Leeds United are on the verge of completing their first sale of the summer, with centre-back Max Wöber closing in on a permanent move to Werder Bremen. The Austrian international is expected to seal his return to the Bundesliga this week, in a deal which will save the Yorkshire club approximately £3.6million in wages.

According to Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, the transfer is effectively “done” with final confirmations expected imminently. German outlet Bild previously revealed the 27-year-old was in “advanced talks” with Bremen, who are yet to make a signing this summer but look set to break that drought with Wöber’s arrival.

Wöber joined Leeds in January 2023 from Red Bull Salzburg in an £11million move, but struggled to establish himself long-term at Elland Road. After spending last season on loan at Borussia Mönchengladbach, he returned to West Yorkshire hoping to fight for his place under Daniel Farke. However, the manager has since reshaped his defensive line with the acquisitions of Jaka Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw – a duo signed for a combined £20million – leaving Wöber surplus to requirements.

Speaking during the June international break, Wöber confirmed his fate was already sealed by the club’s hierarchy: “I’ve been told by the 49ers that I will be sold this summer.”

The exact fee remains undisclosed, though reports suggest it is a low seven-figure sum. Given Wöber’s current book value stands at around £4.9million, Leeds may record a modest loss on the transaction in PSR (Profit and Sustainability Rules) terms. However, the financial upside lies in freeing up his £35,000-per-week wages, amounting to a £3.64million saving across the season.

Fan sentiment surrounding Wöber has soured in recent months. His abrupt departure during pre-season last year left a bitter taste for many, and a mixed reception following Leeds’ promotion-clinching win over Bristol City hinted that bridges were never truly rebuilt.

“He’s still not forgiven for how he jumped ship during Farke’s pre-season,” one Leeds insider noted. “That exit definitely didn’t sit right with Farke and a sale is best for everyone here, seeing us cash in on a player we don’t need, having already improved on him.”

From a footballing perspective, the move is logical for Wöber, who harbours ambitions of representing Austria at the 2026 World Cup. With limited prospects of regular football at Elland Road, he himself admitted that “rotting” on the bench would not serve his international hopes.

For Leeds, the deal opens up further flexibility in the market, both in terms of wages and squad size. The departure signals the start of what’s expected to be a busy window for the Whites, now back in the Premier League and preparing for life in the top flight under Farke’s evolving leadership.

Wöber may not leave a lasting legacy at Leeds, but this clean break seems to suit all parties – both financially and professionally.