Leeds announced on Tuesday they have signed Austrian international defender Maximilian ‘Max’ Wober from RB Salzburg for a fee of around $12 million, subject to a work permit.The 24-year-old defender is the Premier League club’s first signing in the January transfer window after agreeing a four-and-a-half-year deal. Coach Jesse Marsch was particularly keen to bring in the Austrian international, having worked with him in his Salzburg days.While the 24-year-old’s natural position is considered to be centre-back, he has frequently played at left-back. The Whites came into this window with a focus on adding competition for Pascal Struijk and Junior Firpo in that department.🚨 Leeds United FC announce the signing of Max Wober from Red Bull Salzburg, subject to a work permit 🍿🔥🤝 pic.twitter.com/u7NJ0cl4on— kwesi Harvison (@Luistoalberto) January 3, 2023 Wober, whose previous clubs include Rapid Vienna, Ajax and Sevilla, made 125 appearances in all competitions for Salzburg, winning the Austrian league and cup double three times in a row. He will also link up with several former teammates at Leeds, and he believes that will be a positive as he adapts to life in the Premier League.”I’ve spoken to Rasmus Kristensen. He asked if I was following him again after spending time together at Ajax and Salzburg. We were neighbours at our old clubs, and now we will be neighbours again. One of the most difficult parts about coming to a new club is feeling comfortable and settled, and it is always easy when you have connecting points. I know what Jesse Marsch wants and having played with Brenden Aaronson and Rasmus will help me connect to the team quicker.”The Austrian, who will wear the number 39 shirt at Elland Road, will be eligible for Leed’s FA Cup tie against Cardiff City on Sunday.##NAJAVA_MECA_6923494##Maximilian began his career with his hometown club Rapid Wien before catching the eye of Dutch giants Ajax at 19 years old. Seventeen months after arriving in the Netherlands, Wober joined Sevilla on loan with an obligatory buyout clause, but he moved again after just seven months. Salzburg took him back to his homeland in August 2019, and across the past three years, he has become club captain.Leeds are currently 14th in the Premier League table, just two points above the relegation zone but with a game in hand on those sides below them. Marsch’s side has conceded 29 goals in the Premier League, the fifth-worst defensive record in the division. Wober’s arrival is just one of the moves required to tighten up the Whites’ defence.
