Why new Leeds United target Marius Wolf is not signing a new deal at Borussia Dortmund

With Dortmund in the Champions League final, it means the five-time Germany ace could play his final game for the Bundesliga giants against Real Madrid at Wembley on June 1 if he comes off the bench.

Wolf has managed 31 appearances for Dortmund this season, but just 14 starts. Wolf has been an unused substitute in six of Dortmund’s 12 Champions League matches, starting two of the other six.

Leeds have made an inquiry to sign Wolf ahead of the summer, with a potential move on the cards if the Whites can beat Southampton on Sunday. Now, it explains why Wolf won’t sign a new deal.

Why Leeds are targeting Wolf not to sign a new contract with Dortmund

German newspaper Ruhr Nachrichten report simply that defender Wolf has not been offered a new contract despite costing Dortmund a £4.25m fee to sign him from Frankfurt in the summer of 2018.

That’s because Wolf hasn’t performed at the level Dortmund had expected of him and, as the report states, hasn’t reflected his huge contract. Wolf currently earns £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 be tempting.

Wolf was compared to Brazilian legend Cafu while at Dortmund

While his pace and drive may have been reduced since moving to Dortmund, Wolf’s best form came in Frankfurt in 2017-18. In 38 games, he had 17 goals, including 11 assists for Frankfurt.

Given permission to get forward when he likes and the confidence to be first choice, Wolf is able to shine on the right flank at a very high level. He earned the “explosive” comparisons to Cafu.

If Leeds can get a deal done for Wolf with Connor Roberts now confirmed to return to Burnley when his loan ends then he would be a superb addition. But, it will be an expensive one considering his huge salaries.