Leeds United’s attempts to clear funds in order to reinvest in our squad during 2026 include having players out on loan with buy options included in their contracts.
If Leeds want to spend big during the January window, we’re going to have to find buyers for fringe players before the end of June.
A handful of players are out on loan from the club right now that could be seen as useful assets. But, their stints away from Elland Road are going less than ideally.
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Max Wöber’s loan away from Leeds United at Werder Bremen not going to plan
It was no shock to see Max Wöber shipped out on loan early in pre-season during the summer. He left for Bundesliga club Werder Bremen in July, but his aims to get back to playing regularly after a tough 24/25 at Elland Road have been dealt multiple setbacks.
Wöber’s debut for Werder came in the DFB-Pokal back in August, playing 79 minutes at left-back as they were beaten by Armenia Bielefeld.
He’s not kicked a ball since. A lengthy hamstring layoff has seen Wöber absent from matchday squads in the Bundesliga up until their winter break.
Max Wöber has struggled massively with injuries at Werder Bremen, having left Leeds United in July. (REUTERS/Leon Kuegeler)
Werder host Hoffenheim tomorrow as league action resumes in Germany, but Bild (via Sport Witness) report that Wöber’s fitness is tough and go for him to be available, amidst more muscular issues.
Max Wöber’s loan-to-buy deal set to fall through as Leeds United face Austrian’s 2026 return
The ongoing injury issues for Wöber at Werder Bremen aren’t good news for our hopes of a permanent exit.
His loan agreement comes with a buy option included, which isn’t specifically reported, but could be around £3.4million after previous claims that he was due to sign permanently for that fee.
Werder Bremen, understandably, aren’t best pleased with the impact Wöber has had there since joining, though.
The above report outlines that due to “numerous absences” for the Austrian international this season, the chance of a permanent agreement is slim-to-none.
Wöber’s current Elland Road contract runs until the summer of 2027, meaning he’s in the final 18 months. His current book value stands at £4.8million, which would drop to £2.4million from the summer of 2026. In turn, it gives Leeds a greater opportunity to book a profit. That’s especially the case with Austria heading for the World Cup, should he shake off injuries to travel.
Leeds United need to hope for upturn in Max Wöber’s transfer fortunes
This currently benefits no one.
Wöber being injured adds nothing to Werder Bremen’s squad, meaning they won’t want to spend a permanent fee on him. Which, in turn, hampers our transfer plans.
If there was a guarantee that a club were willing to pay Leeds a fee, we could be looking at further spending in January.
However, we’ve got an asset on the books that the club don’t want here. Also, player also doesn’t want to be here, and the fans don’t want him either. But, the ‘buying’ club don’t want him either.
We just have to hope his form picks up as we look ahead to the World Cup.
Read more: Leeds United star makes bold admission on transfer future this week.