Austria international Xaver Schlager has completed a free transfer to Nottingham Forest, signing a two-year contract with the Premier League side.
The 28-year-old joins following the expiration of his RB Leipzig deal, becoming the latest addition to manager Oliver Glasner’s squad. The Austrian links up with his compatriot for a second time after they previously collaborated at VfL Wolfsburg.
Schlager arrives with substantial Bundesliga experience, having made 150 appearances in Germany’s top flight across seven seasons with Wolfsburg and Leipzig. He originally moved to the Red Bull Arena in 2022 for a reported €12 million fee.
His most recent campaign was interrupted by a serious injury, though he recovered to play a role as Leipzig secured Champions League qualification. The player also represented his country at the World Cup, featuring in all four of Austria’s matches before their elimination by eventual champions Spain in the Round of 32.
The transfer reunites Schlager with Glasner, who was appointed Forest manager earlier this summer following his departure from Eintracht Frankfurt. Nottingham Forest, twice winners of the European Cup, are rebuilding under the Austrian boss ahead of the new season.
The pair previously worked together during Schlager’s stint at Wolfsburg, where Glasner helped establish the Austrian as a regular Bundesliga starter. Their reunion offers Schlager a familiar tactical framework as he adapts to English football.
Schlager’s arrival on a free transfer represents valuable business for the Midlands club as they strengthen their options without paying a transfer fee. The two-time European Cup winners will hope his top-level experience can bolster their squad for the demands of the new Premier League campaign.