Leeds United are being linked with the signing of a new right-back on a free transfer from a huge European club, and it has now been reported why he is not signing a new deal.
It emerged earlier this week that Borussia Dortmund and Germany defender Marius Wolf could emerge as an option for Leeds this summer, with the 28-year-old set to his contract expire at the Westfalenstadion.
With Dortmund in the Champions League final, it means that the five-time Germany ace could play his last game for the Bundesliga giants against Real Madrid at Wembley on June 1, if he gets off the bench.
Wolf has managed 31 appearances for Dortmund this season, but only 14 from the start. Wolf has been an unused sub in six of Dortmund’s 12 Champions League matches, starting two of the others six games.
Leeds have made an enquiry to sign Wolf ahead of the summer with a potential move on the cards if The Whites can beat Southampton on Sunday. Now, it is explained why Wolf will not be signing a new deal.
Why Leeds target Wolf is not signing a new Dortmund deal
German newspaper Ruhr Nachrichten report simply, that defender Wolf has not been offered a new contract despite costing Dortmund a fee of £4.25m to sign him from Frankfurt in the summer of 2018.
That is because Wolf has not performed to the level Dortmund had expected of him, and as the report states, he has not mirrored his huge contract. Wolf is currently earning a huge £98,000 a week there.
If he is to move to Leeds, then there is no doubt that Wolf would have to take a significant pay cut. The initial report of Leeds’ interest suggests there are Middle Eastern clubs interested, which may tempt.
Wolf has been compared to Brazil legend Cafu while at Dortmund
While he might have tailed off in his rhythm and momentum since moving to Dortmund, Wolf’s best form came at Frankfurt in 2017-18. In 38 games, he had a hand in 17 goals including 11 assists for Frankfurt.
Given the license to get forward when he likes and the confidence of being first choice, Wolf is capable of shining on the right flank at the very top level. It earned the ‘explosive’ star comparisons with Cafu.
If Leeds can get a deal done for Wolf with Connor Roberts now confirmed as returning to Burnley when his loan ends, then it would be a superb addition. But, it will be an expensive one given his huge wages.