Full Breakdown
Nottingham Forest Secure Austrian Midfielder Xaver Schlager on Free Transfer
7/16/2026, 12:20:25 AM
Core Transfer Details
Nottingham Forest have agreed to sign 28-year-old Austrian international Xaver Schlager on a free transfer after his contract with RB Leipzig expired at the end of the 2025-26 season. The midfielder will sign a two-year deal with an option for a further 12 months, and he is scheduled to undergo a medical in Nottingham this week before joining Forest’s pre-season training camp in Portugal. No transfer fee is required.
Background & Context
Schlager began his career in the Red Bull Salzburg academy, moved to VfL Wolfsburg in 2019, and transferred to Leipzig in 2022, where he amassed 108 appearances and served as vice-captain. He has earned 55 caps for the Austria national team and started all four of Austria’s matches at the 2022 World Cup. His move to Forest follows the record €135 million (approximately £116 million) departure of Elliot Anderson to Manchester City, leaving a clear vacancy in Forest’s midfield.
Key Figures & Groups
- Xaver Schlager – Central midfielder, former Leipzig vice-captain, Austrian international.
- Oliver Glasner – Newly appointed Forest head coach, previously managed Schlager at Wolfsburg (2019-2021) and left Crystal Palace in July 2026.
- Nottingham Forest – Premier League club seeking to strengthen a midfield that also includes Ibrahim Sangare, Nicolas Domínguez, Ryan Yates, Morgan Gibbs-White and James McAtee.
- RB Leipzig – Bundesliga side that attempted, but failed, to renew Schlager’s contract.
Data & Statistics
- Leipzig appearances: 108 (plus 150 total Bundesliga matches across Wolfsburg and Leipzig).
- Austria caps: 55.
- Minutes played last season (all competitions): over 2,000.
- Contract: two years + 12-month option; free transfer (no fee).
Official Statements & Responses
Forest’s recruitment strategy, outlined by club insiders, emphasizes adding experienced, versatile midfielders who can adapt to Glasner’s 3-4-2-1 system. The club’s medical team is set to complete Schlager’s assessment this week, after which he will join the squad for its Portugal pre-season camp. The signing is presented as the first acquisition under Glasner’s tenure, intended to provide leadership and balance after Anderson’s exit.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts note that while Schlager offers a “tough, combative” profile, he does not match Anderson’s quality. Concerns are raised that his arrival could limit playing time for existing midfielders such as Domínguez and Yates, who differ in style from Schlager’s more physical approach. The assessment suggests that Glasner may later consider additional midfield signings, potentially reducing the roles of current squad members.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He’s a tackler and a ball-winner, but not without the technical ability required to be valuable in possession.” — Seb Stafford-Bloor, German football writer
- “He’ll be popular and will relish the attritional, battleground nature of English football, and he has more than enough ability to be a real asset to Glasner, who managed him at Wolfsburg for two years.” — Nick Miller, football writer
- “An experienced option for Forest Analysis by football writer Nick Miller There’s an obvious hole to fill in the Forest midfield after the record departure of Anderson to City.” — Nick Miller, football writer
- “Schlager played well over 2,000 minutes in all competitions last season.” — Nick Miller, football writer
What’s Next
- Completion of Schlager’s medical examination (scheduled for the coming week).
- Participation in Forest’s pre-season training camp in Portugal.
- Integration into Glasner’s midfield plans ahead of the 2026-27 Premier League campaign.
