Leeds United transfers as loan decision close and summer move for Scotland hopeful planned
The latest transfer talk from Elland Road as Leeds United look to add to their squad during the January transfer window.
Bundesliga club Werder Bremen have reportedly made a decision on a possible permanent move for on-loan Leeds United defender Max Wober.
The Austrian international joined the Whites from RB Salzburg in January 2023 and went on to make 28 appearances before joining German side Borussia Monchengladbach on a season-long loan during the summer of 2023. No permanent deal came to fruition but the 27-year=old was handed another chance to impress away from Elland Road last summer when he joined Bremen on a similar move. Wober’s misfortune continued when he suffered a hamstring injury on his debut as his side suffered a surprise German Cup defeat against Armenia Bielefeld and is yet to return to full fitness.
Speaking earlier in the season as the Whites defender struggled for fitness, Werder official Peter Niemeyer said: “There’s no question of a setback. The healing process is simply taking a little longer. He’s putting his situation into perspective and showing the necessary patience. Throughout his injury, he’s stayed close to the team, which is good for him and the group. As a positive person, he contributes a lot.”
However, German outlet Bild have reported Wober has suffered a setback and despite being named on the bench for a league draw with Augsberg and featuring for 45 minutes of a friendly against St Pauli during the winter break, he now has another muscle injury and is on the sidelines once again.
Bild have now claimed the injury issues have led Werder to make a decision on a possible permanent move for the Whites defender, saying: ‘Due to the numerous absences, it’s becoming increasingly unlikely that Werder will exercise their agreed purchase option for Wöber.’
Whites eye summer move for Scotland World Cup hopeful
Leeds United have reportedly made a decision over a potential move for Hibs midfielder Josh Mulligan.
The Scotland Under-21 international only joined the Easter Road club during the summer after agreeing a free transfer switch from league rivals Dundee and has gone on to provide three goal and five assists in 30 appearances in all competitions during the first half of the season. His form has led to talk of a maiden call-up to the senior Scotland squad ahead of this summer’s World Cup finals and also fuelled speculation Mulligan has captured the attention of a number of clubs.
Speaking last month, Hibs boss Gray said of Mulligan and team-mate Kieron Bowie: “I think all the two can do is keep doing what they’re doing. So I think they need to keep working hard, which is the biggest benefit. I say it all the time about them two is they’re getting all the plaudits at the moment because of their level of performance, but they’re really hard-working, humble boys that are enjoying their football.
“That’s the most important thing. Their carrot’s still going to be there for them. They’ll keep coming up about trying to force their way into Scotland’s squad. All they can do is keep taking care of their own performance levels and helping the team as much as they can. I think if they can do that, then naturally we’ve got other players as well. Speculation will always be there. There’s nothing you can do about that, but you need to keep your feet on the ground and keep working hard.”
Football Insider have now claimed the Whites do retain an interest in Mulligan after scouting him throughout the first half of the season and report there is an active release clause with his current deal at Hibs. However, they also state a midfielder is ‘not a priority’ during the January transfer window and a move is more likely to happen during the summer.
Your next Leeds United read: Leeds United best case scenario thanks to chance taking sub - Graham Smyth's FA Cup Verdict at Derby