Xaver Schlager is undergoing a medical at Nottingham Forest this week ahead of completing a free transfer to the Premier League club. The 28-year-old Austrian midfielder is expected to sign a two-year contract with an option for a further 12 months once he passes his examinations, with the East Midlands club paying no transfer fee for his services.
The move comes after Schlager’s contract at RB Leipzig expired. The Bundesliga side had previously attempted to negotiate an extension with the player, but those efforts proved unsuccessful, allowing him to leave as a free agent this summer despite the German club’s desire to retain his services for the upcoming campaign.
Reunion with Glasner
At the City Ground, Schlager will work under fellow Austrian Oliver Glasner, who recently took charge at Forest after departing Crystal Palace. The managerial appointment creates a reunion for the pair, with Schlager now set to become a key part of Glasner’s new era at the Premier League club. The Austrian connection is expected to help the midfielder settle quickly into his new surroundings in English football.
Replacing Anderson
The experienced midfielder arrives as a direct replacement for Elliot Anderson, who completed a €135 million move to Manchester City earlier in the transfer window. The Premier League champions paid the substantial fee to secure Anderson’s services, leaving a significant void in Forest’s midfield that Schlager is now expected to help fill as the club prepares for the new season.
Schlager brings substantial Bundesliga experience to Nottingham Forest following his time in Germany with Leipzig. His availability on a free transfer represents significant value for the club as they look to strengthen their squad under new management. The deal allows Forest to reinvest the substantial funds received for Anderson into other areas of the squad while securing an experienced replacement at no initial cost.
Pending successful completion of his medical this week, the Austrian’s signing will mark an important early addition to Glasner’s squad. The transfer is set to be completed in the coming days assuming no complications arise during the medical assessments, with the player set to join his new teammates for pre-season preparations.