Werder Bremen have reached a verbal agreement with Alexander Schlager over a four-year contract, paving the way for the Austrian international to swap Salzburg for the Bundesliga.
The 30-year-old is set to become the club’s second goalkeeping recruit of the summer following Mio Backhaus’s move to SC Freiburg. Schlager will cut short his existing deal with the Austrian champions, which was due to run until 2027, to complete his first transfer abroad.
Deal structure and terms
Sky Germany reports that the shot-stopper has verbally accepted terms binding him to the Weser-Stadion until 2029. Despite having two years remaining on his Salzburg contract, the transfer is expected to command only a relatively small fee, making it a manageable outlay for the Bundesliga side.
Schlager has established himself as a regular fixture in the Austrian national team and recently demonstrated his capabilities on the global stage at the World Cup. His arrival represents a significant step up in competition, moving from the Austrian Bundesliga to one of Europe’s major leagues.
Competition for the starting role
The signing intensifies the battle for the starting position under manager Ole Werner. Schlager will compete directly with Karl Hein when the squad reports back for pre-season training.
Bremen acted decisively to secure cover after losing Backhaus, ensuring they enter the new campaign with two experienced international goalkeepers rather than relying on academy prospects. The Austrian is expected to be available for selection as friendlies commence in the coming weeks.
Final formalities between the clubs remain pending, though an official announcement is understood to be imminent.