Leeds sign Red Bull Salzburg defender Max Wober for four and a half years

Leeds United have completed their first signing of the January transfer window after confirming the arrival of Red Bull Salzburg centre-back Max Wober.

The Austria international has joined for a fee believed to be £10m, which could rise to £14m including add-ons. He was presented with the No. 39 jersey.

He is still awaiting his work permit but could make his debut for his new club when they meet Cardiff City in the FA Cup third round on Sunday.

Max Wober has signed a four and a half year contract with Leeds United

The 24-year-old will become Leeds’ first signing for the January transfer window

Wober is a player Jesse Marsch knows very well after the pair worked together at Red Bull Salzburg between 2019 and 2021.

The 24-year-old has experience across Europe, having played at Ajax and Sevilla in the early stages of his career.

This will be his first time in England, however, and Marsch is hoping he can settle down quickly to streamline the Leeds backline.

Wober will wear the No 39 shirt and could make his Leeds debut in the FA Cup on Sunday

Only four sides have conceded more goals than Leeds in the Premier League this season, showing how the side’s defense needs to improve in the second half of the season.

The team took a step in the right direction when they kept a hard-earned 0-0 draw in Newcastle on New Year’s Eve without conceding, but that was only the third time they have prevented their opponent from scoring a goal this season achieve.

Wober will not have his work permit in time to face West Ham on Wednesday but could bow in the Premier League if Leeds travel to Aston Villa on January 13.