Maximilian Wöber hasn’t enjoyed a good run at Schalke since ending his time at Leeds United in the summer.
The centre-back arrived at Elland Road from Red Bull Salzburg in January 2023. Leeds United reportedly paid around €12m and the investment clearly didn’t work out.
After a poor form and two loans spells, the Whites terminated his contract in July. A few days later, he completed a free transfer to Schalke, who secured a Bundesliga promotion.
Struggling since Leeds United exit
Schalke have five points from four matches and are 11th in the table, two points behind fourth placed FC Augsburg. They now have the third-best defensive record in the league, after conceding four goals.
Hasan Kuruçay has been a key figure in the German club’s defender and Bild on Thursday have a report on him and others including the former Leeds United man.
Kuruçay’s contract expires in 2027 and is unhappy Schalke haven’t offered an extension.
“Of course, I’m a bit disappointed when I see my teammates getting new contracts for good performances. I’m a leader on the pitch and I don’t have a new contract,” he said.
Bild then looks at those Schalke players with contracts expiring in 2027 and their chances of extending. This includes Maximilian Wöber, who has an option for another year.
There were high expectations for the 28-year-old to become a starter straight away. That didn’t happen as he played only 82 minutes from four league matches for Schalke. The outlet warns him to improve if he wants to extend his stay.
Bild says there’s 50% chance of the Austrian staying at Schalke beyond this season.
Limited minutes after Leeds United not surprising
The English club were in the relegation battle when Maximilian Wöber joined them in the middle of the 2022/23 season. He and his teammates weren’t able to stop the club from dropping to the Championship.
Leeds United appointed Daniel Farke as their manager in 2023, and the defender didn’t want to play in the second division.
He joined Borussia Mönchengladbach on loan during the 2023/24 season.
The defender made 27 appearances for Gladbach, who wanted to retain him. However, they refused to meet the Whites asking price, resulting in his return to Elland Road. The Austrian made nine appearances for Leeds United during the 2024/25 season.
Last summer, he returned to Germany to join Werder Bremen on loan. The move turned out to be disastrous as he played 114 minutes from three matches. Two different injuries forced him to spend several months on the sidelines.
Injuries have bothered the Austrian over the years. This, coupled with his limited role last season, are reasons why Wöber hasn’t done well at Schalke yet.
