Why Leeds United are terminating Max Wober's contract as historic sell-on clause revealed

Leeds United will wave a permanent goodbye to Max Wober after mutually agreeing to terminate the defender’s contract a year early.

The YEP understands, as reported by The Athletic, that Wober is on the verge of a move to Bundesliga outfit Schalke. The 28-year-old is already in Germany undergoing medical tests ahead of what will be a free transfer.

Wober joined Leeds in a £10million deal from RB Salzburg in January 2023, signing a four-and-a-half year contract that was due to expire in 2027. But defender made just 28 appearances across all competitions for the Whites, spending two years out on loan.

A steady year at Borussia Monchengladbach brought 25 Bundesliga appearances but Wober suffered a serious knee injury on his Werder Bremen debut last season. He played just three games for the German side, who opted against triggering a permanent option in his loan deal.

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Wober had expressed a desire to return to Leeds for pre-season but the centre-back was among a handful of senior players omitted from the USA tour squad list. His permanent exit now feels like only a matter of time.

The YEP understands a sell-on clause was included in Wober’s £10m move to Leeds in 2023, entitling former club RB Salzburg to a portion of any future transfer. That, coupled with a season marred by serious injury, meant any sale would have seen the Whites book a minimal fee.

Wober’s exit will remove a Premier League wage from the Leeds books and call time on a difficult Elland Road tenure. The Austrian will be remembered as one of a handful of players to exercise relegation release clauses to join Monchengladbach in 2023 following the Whites’ drop into the Championship.

Schalke have spent the past three years in Germany’s second tier but were just promoted back into the Bundesliga. They are one of the country's most historic clubs with a long list of domestic and European honours - including the 1996/97 UEFA Cup.