Leeds United’s brutal restoration of key position complete with door slammed on divisive player
Leeds United Strengthen Defence with Key Centre-Back Signings as Max Wöber Departs
Leeds United have wasted no time reinforcing their defensive ranks this summer, securing the signings of two experienced centre-backs—Jaka Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw—in a clear statement of intent ahead of their return to the Premier League. These acquisitions not only bolster the squad’s quality but also offer insight into the future of existing players, most notably Max Wöber, whose departure has now been confirmed.
The summer business so far underlines two central priorities for manager Daniel Farke and the 49ers ownership group: first, ensuring the starting XI is strong enough to compete consistently at the highest level, and second, building the necessary squad depth to maintain performance across the gruelling 38-game Premier League season. Last term in the Championship, Farke often found himself short of natural central defenders, occasionally relying on versatile midfielder Ethan Ampadu to fill in at centre-back—a short-term solution that won’t be sustainable in the top flight.
Bornauw Arrival Signals End of Wöber’s Leeds Career
On Monday, reports revealed that Leeds were on the verge of finalising a deal to bring Belgian centre-back Sebastiaan Bornauw to Elland Road from Bundesliga side Wolfsburg. The transfer, reportedly worth around £5.14 million according to The Yorkshire Evening Post’s Graham Smyth, marked the Whites’ third summer signing and the second defensive reinforcement, following Jaka Bijol’s £15 million switch from Udinese earlier in the window.
These two new arrivals have a combined cost of just over £20 million—an astute investment for a club looking to solidify its defensive line following promotion. While they represent upgrades in terms of quality and experience, they also have immediate consequences for players from the promotion-winning squad.
Chief among those impacted is Max Wöber. The Austrian defender had already made his intention to move on clear during a recent international break, telling Austrian outlet Krone:
“Leeds has already made it clear to me that they want to sell me.”
That clarity has now turned into action, with Wöber finalising a move to Bundesliga side Werder Bremen. Though initially touted as a permanent sale worth around £3.4 million, the 27-year-old has once again gone out on loan—extending his time away from Elland Road following his previous temporary spell at Borussia Mönchengladbach.
This exit brings an end to a somewhat fragmented two-and-a-half-year spell at Leeds, during which Wöber made an impression at times but never fully established himself as a long-term solution in the backline. Unlike Junior Firpo, who also left this summer and did so with the goodwill of the fanbase, Wöber departs with far less fanfare—his time at the club overshadowed by injuries, inconsistent form, and contractual complications.
Leeds Show Ruthless Edge in Premier League Preparation
Leeds’ swift and decisive handling of Wöber’s situation suggests a ruthlessness in the club’s new-era strategy. Informing the Austrian defender of his surplus status immediately after promotion sends a clear message: sentimentality will not stand in the way of progress. The decision highlights a desire for evolution rather than loyalty to the past, especially in positions where consistency and reliability are non-negotiable.
Now boasting four solid centre-back options in Pascal Struijk, Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol, and Sebastiaan Bornauw, Leeds appear to have fully rebuilt a defensive unit capable of handling Premier League opposition. While Rodon and Struijk were key figures during the promotion campaign, their roles are now under greater scrutiny. Struijk in particular faces an uphill battle to retain his place amid lingering injury concerns.
As the summer window progresses, Leeds may continue to trim and tailor the squad to Premier League demands, but in terms of central defence, their mission may already be accomplished. The early moves suggest a club learning from past mistakes, determined to avoid the defensive frailties that previously cost them top-flight status.
With an ambitious manager at the helm, a renewed defensive spine, and clear strategic direction, Leeds United look better equipped than ever to cement their place back in the Premier League—and to stay there.