Schalke sign defender Maximilian Wöber
Maximilian Wöber has joined Schalke as a free agent after the Austrian mutually agreed to terminate his contract with Leeds United.
Wöber moved to Leeds from Red Bull Salzburg in January 2023, making 28 appearances for the English club before an injury-hit loan spell at Werder Bremen, where he featured just twice in 2025/26. The 27-year-old defender has signed a one-year deal that will keep him at the Veltins-Arena until 30 June 2027.
"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," Wöber explained.
"Playing for Schalke in the Bundesliga is an exciting prospect. I'm keen to get started straight away and get to know my new teammates."
Back in Germany on a permanent basis, Wöber adds significant top-level experience to Schalke's defensive ranks. A 31-time Austria international, he has also represented Rapid Vienna, Ajax, Sevilla and Bundesliga side Borussia Mönchengladbach.
"Maximilian Wöber has the experience of over 170 top-flight matches and, having played for Mönchengladbach and Bremen, is also familiar with the specific challenges of the Bundesliga," commented Schalke sporting director Youri Mulder.
"Our coaching staff, together with Miron Muslić, will work closely with him. His attributes give us the flexibility to use him in a number of different defensive set-ups. We are confident that he will be able to reach his full potential once again."
Promoted as Bundesliga 2 champions at the end of last season, Schalke are currently stepping up preparations for their first Bundesliga campaign in three years.
The Royal Blues begin the 2026/27 season with a DFB Cup first-round trip to Halle on 24 August, before visiting Augsburg on Bundesliga Matchday 1.
