The futures of Leeds United’s returning loan army was sent into the spotlight this week after the news of Brenden Aaronson’s return.
The Whites lost eight members of the 2022/23 first team squad on loan last summer as a result of clauses that were inserted into their contracts by the previous ownership regime.
Of that group, only Luis Sinisterra and Robin Koch were able to secure permanent exits during the season, which could now make for an uncertain summer for many of them.
However, Aaronson became the first one to make a decision earlier this week by rejecting the opportunity to leave on loan again and give it a second go at Leeds.
Aaronson has held talks with Daniel Farke and is now ready to return to Elland Road to play a part in Leeds’ promotion push, and the question is now who could follow him.
Smyth shares what he’s been told about Wober and Rasmus Kristensen
With Aaronson’s future now clarified, Max Wober, Rasmus Kristensen, Diego Llorente, Jack Harrison and Marc Roca are the others who will come into focus.
Like Aaronson, Harrison has the opportunity to leave on loan again and seems likely to take it with a return to Everton. Marc Roca is set to do the same with his move back to Real Betis said to be ’99 per cent’ done.
However, as for the other three, they do not have the option for another temporary exit. For Llorente, a permanent move back to AS Roma looks likely, but there is less certainty surrounding the other two.
And journalist Graham Smyth has now shared an update on what he has been told by the club about what could happen with Wober and Kristensen.
Smyth was taking part in a question and answer session with supporters on the Yorkshire Evening Post, reporting that Leeds have advised not to rule anything out.
He wrote: “The latest I’ve had from the club is that nothing can be ruled out just yet. I know why people hone in on Wober, because you would expect him to find the Championship incredibly comfortable and he adds depth at left-sided centre-back and at left-back.
“I certainly wouldn’t have him ahead of Pascal Struijk and if they can keep Junior Firpo fit then why would he not play, given the offensive attributes he brings? The thing about Wober and Kristensen is that Leeds distinctly had the feeling both would stay last summer.”
What has Wober said about his future at Leeds?
Wober spent last season on loan at Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach and enjoyed a good time of it in Germany.
However, with no loan clause available, Gladbach are currently unable to meet Leeds’ asking price of a permanent deal, leaving the door wide open.
Wober is set to represent Austria at the EUROs this summer and speaking at the start of his international camp, admitted he does not know what the future holds.
He said: “My aim was to answer the club question before the Euros. But it is what it is now. I told my manager that he doesn’t need to call me or tell me anything in the next four weeks. I want to play in the Euros now. After that we’ll see where it goes.
“I only found out about it [Red Bull sponsoring Leeds] from the media. I am now 26 years old and no longer fit Salzburg’s profile. On the other hand, an experienced player might do them good.
“It will also depend on what they say. But they will probably have to digest this playoff defeat for a week or two. We will see how they want to position themselves and whether I am in their plans or not.
“If you’re in contact with the manager all the time, you automatically start thinking about it, start looking for an apartment, organize the move and talk to family and girlfriend about it. I just want to block it out and not worry about it.
“The Euro is a career highlight for me. My first international match and my first Champions League game will only be topped by the European Championship. If I get to play, I want to enjoy it 100 percent.”