According to reports from Austrian outlet Salzburger Nachrichten, Red Bull Salzburg defender Maximilian Wöber has already completed a medical at Leeds, and is set to become the Whites’ first new addition in the upcoming January transfer window.
As discussed here on Vital Leeds earlier this week, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported that Leeds were keen on landing the 24-year old’s signature, with a fee in the region of €11 million (+ €5 million in add-ons) to be agreed between the clubs.
Now, in the latest development, the Austria international has reportedly undergone a medical ahead of his switch to Elland Road.
While many Leeds fans will say that a striker and a left-back are the priorities when it comes to squad additions this January, Wöber is sure to be an exciting signing to bolster the first-team and give Jesse Marsch more defensive cover. He has amassed over 80 appearances in a good Salzburg side, as well as gaining 13 international caps for Austria. With past stints at Ajax and Sevilla, along with Champions League experience, Wöber may offer something different to the current options at the club.
Leeds have recently agreed new contracts with centre-backs Pascal Struijk and Diego Llorente, and are lining up a contract extension for German defender Robin Koch [via Phil Hay at The Athletic].
With multiple new contracts for centre-backs in the current squad, Leeds fans may not have been expecting a January signing for a potential starter in the role. With that said, Wöber is a left-footed centre half, capable of playing on both sides of the defence, as well as in a back three. With so much football left on the 2022-23 calendar, he would be a welcomed addition and gives head coach Jesse Marsch another solid option in a position which often causes difficulty for his side.