Schalke has officially signed defender Maximilian Wöber as a free agent following the termination of his contract with Leeds United. The 27-year-old Austrian previously spent the last season on loan at Werder Bremen.

Wöber's Journey to Schalke

Wöber joined Leeds from Red Bull Salzburg in January 2023, where he made 28 appearances for the English side. However, his loan spell at Werder Bremen was marred by injuries, limiting him to just two appearances in the 2025/26 season. He has now committed to a one-year deal with Schalke, which will keep him at the Veltins-Arena until June 30, 2027.

Excitement for New Challenges

Expressing his enthusiasm for the move, Wöber stated, "Schalke was very exciting for me right from the start. Following some encouraging discussions, I'm looking forward to this new challenge at a truly special club that's earned promotion." He added that playing in the Bundesliga for Schalke is an "exciting prospect" and he is eager to start and meet his new teammates.

Experience and Expectations

Wöber brings valuable experience to Schalke's defense, having played in over 170 top-flight matches and earning 31 caps for the Austrian national team. His previous clubs include Rapid Vienna, Ajax, Sevilla, and Borussia Mönchengladbach. Schalke's sporting director, Youri Mulder, highlighted Wöber's familiarity with the Bundesliga's challenges and expressed confidence in his ability to thrive under the club's coaching staff.

As Schalke prepares for their first Bundesliga season in three years after being promoted as Bundesliga 2 champions, they will kick off the 2026/27 campaign with a DFB Cup first-round match against Halle on August 24, followed by their Bundesliga opener against Augsburg.