Leeds United Close to Securing £16m Star Signing – Major Boost for Daniel Farke
Leeds United Begin Summer Clear-Out as Max Wöber Confirms Club Intends to Sell Him
Club already eyeing high-profile replacement from Serie A
Leeds United have begun what appears to be a significant reshuffling of their squad as the summer transfer window gets underway. Several players are expected to depart Elland Road in the coming weeks, with the club actively working behind the scenes to facilitate exits and reshape the team ahead of the new season.
Among those set to leave is Austrian international Max Wöber, who this week confirmed that the club has informed him of their intentions to move him on. The 27-year-old, who recently featured for Austria in a World Cup qualifier against Romania, made headlines after speaking candidly about his future during a post-match interview.
“Leeds has already made it clear to me that they want to sell me,” Wöber stated bluntly. Reflecting on his performance during the international break, he added, “Maybe I’ve submitted something like a letter of application with my display [against Romania]. It was just a great feeling to be back out there and show that I can still perform at a high level. I wanted to prove to everyone — and to myself — that I still belong at this level. Most importantly, I’m fit, I can still play well, and I certainly don’t intend to waste away on the sidelines in England.”
Wöber’s frank admission has only reinforced the notion that Leeds are intent on trimming the squad and offloading players who may not feature in Daniel Farke’s long-term plans. His desire to stay active and play regular football likely aligns with the club’s willingness to find a new destination for the defender.
In light of Wöber’s expected departure, Leeds United have already taken proactive steps to secure a replacement, turning their attention to Serie A in pursuit of defensive reinforcements. According to Brenden Cross of The Athletic, the club is now in advanced negotiations to sign Slovenian centre-back Jaka Bijol from Udinese.
Talks between the two clubs are said to have intensified in recent days, with Leeds understood to be ready to meet the Italian side’s valuation of the player, which is believed to be in the region of £15–16 million. At 26, Bijol has built a solid reputation in Italy’s top flight, known for his composure, aerial dominance, and tactical intelligence. His consistent performances have not gone unnoticed, with several European clubs reportedly monitoring his situation.
Securing a deal for Bijol would represent a major coup for Leeds, especially considering the competition for his signature. The move also signals a bold and ambitious statement from the club’s ownership, who are eager to invest smartly as they prepare for a return to top-tier competition. Bringing in a player of Bijol’s caliber would not only strengthen the back line but also reassure supporters of the club’s intent to build a side capable of competing at a higher level.
As things stand, Wöber’s exit and Bijol’s potential arrival encapsulate the dual strategy Leeds is employing this summer: shedding players who may not fit the evolving project, while targeting key signings to reinforce the core of the squad. For fans, the developments offer a mix of nostalgia and excitement — saying farewell to familiar faces while welcoming fresh talent that could define a new era at Elland Road.