Maximilian Wöber has officially rejoined the Bundesliga, and the experienced Austrian defender couldn’t be happier. After a season-long loan at Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2023/24, during which he made 25 league appearances and scored twice, the centre-back is now gearing up for a fresh chapter with Werder Bremen. The 27-year-old, capped 31 times by Austria, brings with him a wealth of experience gained from spells in Austria, the Netherlands, Spain, and England.
Despite a high-profile transfer to Leeds United for €12 million, recurring injuries disrupted his time in the Premier League. Wöber’s market value, once at €14 million, has dipped to €8 million since making the move to England. However, the Vienna-born defender expressed optimism about rebuilding his form and confidence in Germany’s top flight.
Settling in with familiar faces
Wöber’s decision to join Werder Bremen was influenced not just by footballing ambitions but also by the club’s Austrian contingent. He shared that he had in-depth conversations with compatriots Marco Friedl, Marco Grüll, and Romano Schmid prior to the move, discussing life in Bremen, housing options, and local hangout spots. Their advice and insights helped confirm his belief that something promising is developing at Werder.
Feeling welcomed by this “ÖFB clique,” Wöber believes the environment is ideal for a fresh start. The connections off the pitch are just as important to him as the challenges on it, and Bremen offers a balance of both.
Determined to move past injury struggles
Reflecting on his injury setbacks, Wöber described his recovery journey as long and difficult, referencing two separate operations on his knee that kept him sidelined longer than expected. He admitted the recovery didn’t proceed as he or the medical staff had hoped, but now, he is back in full training and feeling strong.
Looking ahead, Wöber emphasized his desire to immerse himself once again in the intensity of the Bundesliga. He described every match as a fierce contest and reaffirmed that returning to Germany’s top league had always been a key objective. With its vibrant stadium culture and fast-paced football, he called the Bundesliga “paradise” for a player.
