Why Max Wober already faces fight over future just months after Leeds United exit

Former Leeds United defender Max Wober may need to be thinking about his next steps just months after leaving Elland Road.

The Austrian defender spent three years contracted with the LS11 outfit but struggled to make his mark.

Loan moves throughout, and injury issues ultimately told the story of the centre-back's spell in England, with Joe Rodon taking his place in the squad just months after Wober joined in 2023.

In the summer just gone, Leeds and Wober agreed to mutually terminate his deal, forgoing any potential windfall from a sale.

And effectively allowing the defender to start anew with more options at his disposal as a free agent.

A return to Germany would end up being the move he made, with Schalke coming in for the 28-year-old, with an update now emerging on his new chapter following Leeds.

How is Maximillian Wober getting on at Schalke following Leeds exit?

The termination of Wober's contract was an outcome that benefitted both Leeds and the defender.

Leeds were able to save over £1million on the wage books following the agreement.

And it allowed Wober a fresh start after failing to impress Daniel Farke.

However, while the Yorkshire outfit may be pleased with the outcome, things have not gone to plan so far for Wober since.

According to the print edition of BILD, Wober has struggled to imprint himself within the Schalke squad.

The former Leeds man has yet to start a match for the newly promoted Bundesliga side, but did manage to score in one of his four league appearances.

Nonetheless, the German media outlet have shared that while Wober came with "high expectations" and was seen as a regular to start, the early signs are not promising.

BILD have questioned whether Wober will remain with Schalke already, after he signed a one-year deal back in July, stating he "needs to improve" to remain at Veltins-Arena after the 2026-27 campaign.

Why Wober has best chance yet to revive career after Leeds spell

Despite the initial weeks of Wober's time at Schalke not quite going as expected, the Austrian defender has made his way back onto the international stage.

The former Leeds man is part of Austria's squad over this international break, and if he can continue to prove his fitness, he may yet still come good in the Bundesliga.

Ultimately, it will likely be his ability to remain available that will define his success for Schalke.

Wober has averaged 21.6 games missed through injury per season over the last three campaigns.