Nottingham Forest signs Xaver Schlager on free transfer under Glasner
Nottingham Forest have signed Austrian midfielder Xaver Schlager on a free transfer after his contract with RB Leipzig expired. The 28-year-old, who served as Leipzig’s vice-captain and has 55 international caps, reunites with former coach Oliver Glasner at Forest. Schlager signed a two-year deal with an option for an additional year, becoming Forest’s first signing under Glasner. The move marks Schlager’s first career transfer outside the German-speaking region.
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Common ground
- Xaver Schlager is a solid but injury-prone midfielder with a worrying record of 47 games missed in three seasons.
- Forest sold their best player for £116 million and replaced him with a free agent, which raises questions about reinvestment.
- This transfer is a calculated, low-risk move by Forest, not a major statement of ambition.
- Schlager's move is not a clear example of Premier League financial dominance distorting the market, since Leipzig chose to let him go.
Points of contention
- Whether Schlager's departure from Leipzig was due to his declining value or because Leipzig couldn't match Premier League wages.
- If Forest's wage bill being lower than Leipzig's proves they aren't exploiting financial advantages or if it hides a structural distortion.
- Whether this transfer is a boring, rational move or a symptom of systemic rot in football's financial model.
- If the real story is about Schlager's quality and injuries or about Forest's owners pocketing the Anderson sale money.
Blind spots
- Both sides focus on Schlager's past but ignore how Oliver Glasner's coaching might specifically revive his form in a new system.
- The debate overlooks the possibility that Forest are saving the Anderson money for future transfer windows, not just hoarding it.
- Neither side considers how Schlager's leadership and experience could benefit a young Forest squad beyond his on-field stats.
WorldAttention’s read
This transfer is neither a coup nor a scandal—it's a cautious, cost-saving move by a mid-table Premier League club that just sold its star player for a record fee. Schlager is a decent but injury-prone midfielder Leipzig chose to let go, and Forest are betting their manager can revive him. The real issue isn't about Premier League money destroying football; it's about Forest's owners pocketing £116 million and replacing a top talent with a free agent, hoping fans won't notice. Both sides agree this is smart business, but it's also a sign of limited ambition that leaves Forest fans wondering where the real investment went.
Wire timeline
Xaver Schlager Joins Nottingham Forest Until 2028, Reunites with Oliver Glasner
Austrian midfielder Xaver Schlager has completed a transfer to English Premier League club Nottingham Forest, signing a contract that runs until 2028. The move reunites Schlager with his former VfL Wolfsburg manager Oliver Glasner, under whom he previously played in the Bundesliga. Schlager's transfer comes after his stint with RB Leipzig, and the article notes that their shared time at Wolfsburg left lasting impressions, suggesting the coach-player relationship was a key factor in the decision. The transfer represents a significant move for the Austrian international to the English top flight.
Nottingham Forest Signs Austrian Vice-Captain Xaver Schlager on Free Transfer
Nottingham Forest have officially announced the signing of Austrian international Xaver Schlager on a free transfer. The 28-year-old central midfielder has signed a two-year contract, becoming the first acquisition under new head coach Oliver Glasner. Schlager joins after four seasons at RB Leipzig, where he served as vice-captain during the 2025/26 season. He made 30 appearances last season and started all four of Austria's World Cup matches, bringing his international caps to 55. Known for his energetic pressing and technical ability, Schlager began his career at Red Bull Salzburg, helping them reach the 2017/18 Europa League semi-finals. He spent seven seasons in Germany, making nearly 200 appearances across all competitions, including 15 in the Champions League. Schlager previously worked successfully with Glasner at Wolfsburg, where they achieved Europa League qualification and a fourth-place Bundesliga finish.
Nottingham Forest to Sign Xaver Schlager on Free Transfer with 2+1 Year Contract
Nottingham Forest is set to sign 28-year-old Austrian midfielder Xaver Schlager on a free transfer, as confirmed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano with his signature 'Here we go' announcement. Schlager, who spent four seasons at RB Leipzig, became a free agent after his contract expired this summer. The move was personally requested by new Nottingham Forest coach Oliver Glasner. Schlager will sign a contract until June 2028, with an option to extend until June 2029. The player has already completed his medical, and all terms are finalized. The report originates from Romano's X (formerly Twitter) account and was covered by Hupu Football News.
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Xaver Schlager leaves RB Leipzig for Nottingham Forest on free transfer
RB Leipzig midfielder Xaver Schlager (28) is moving to Premier League club Nottingham Forest on a free transfer, reuniting with former coach Oliver Glasner. Schlager rejected a contract extension offered by Leipzig in January, seeking a new challenge after three and a half years. Nottingham Forest finished 16th in the Premier League last season and will not play in European competition this year. Schlager is expected to undergo a medical this week and sign a contract until 2028. The Austrian international previously played 66 games under Glasner at Wolfsburg, making this reunion a key factor in his decision. This marks Schlager's first career move outside the German-speaking region.
Xaver Schlager Set to Join Nottingham Forest as Free Agent
Austrian midfielder Xaver Schlager, after his contract with RB Leipzig ended and subsequent departure, is on the verge of moving to England. Nottingham Forest is set to sign the 27-year-old free agent, according to kicker football. The transfer would bring Schlager to the Premier League, adding depth to Forest's midfield. Schlager previously played for Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg, and has been capped multiple times for Austria. The move is expected to be finalized soon as a free transfer.
Nottingham Forest to Sign Xaver Schlager on Free Transfer Under Oliver Glasner
Nottingham Forest are set to sign Austrian midfielder Xaver Schlager on a free transfer, according to The Athletic's David Ornstein. The 28-year-old left RB Leipzig at the end of last season after Leipzig failed to extend his contract. Schlager, who served as Leipzig's vice-captain and made 108 appearances for the club, will sign a two-year deal with an option for an additional 12 months. He will undergo a medical in Nottingham this week before joining the team's pre-season camp in Portugal. Schlager is Forest's first signing under new head coach Oliver Glasner, who previously coached him at Wolfsburg. The Austrian international, with 55 caps, brings leadership and experience to a midfield already including Sangare, Dominguez, Yates, Gibbs-White, and McAtee. Forest, once known for large-scale signings, now prioritizes quality under Glasner. The club had previously sold Elliot Anderson to Manchester City for £116 million and showed interest in Tottenham's Lucas Bergvall.