Nottingham Forest are on the verge of finalising a major transfer by securing experienced Austrian midfielder Xaver Schlager on a free move from RB Leipzig. The 28-year-old is set to join the Premier League side at the City Ground, adding depth to a midfield that recently lost one of its key members to a top-flight rival.

Boosting the midfield strength

As reported by The Athletic, Forest are preparing to complete the signing of Schlager after his contract with RB Leipzig came to an end this summer. Despite receiving offers from several elite European clubs, the Austrian international has chosen to continue his career in England under the lights of the City Ground.

Schlager is expected to agree to a two-year deal with Nottingham Forest, which includes an option to extend for another 12 months. He will undergo a medical examination in Nottingham later this week before joining his new teammates at their pre-season training camp in Portugal. The move represents a strong piece of business for Forest as they aim to consolidate their Premier League status.

Reuniting with Oliver Glasner

The transfer also brings about a reunion between Schlager and Forest’s recently appointed head coach, Oliver Glasner. The Austrian manager, who replaced Vitor Pereira on a three-year contract after departing Crystal Palace, previously managed Schlager at Wolfsburg. It was under Glasner’s leadership that the midfielder made his switch from Red Bull Salzburg to the Bundesliga in 2019.

Glasner is anticipated to play an active role in shaping Forest’s transfer plans this summer, with the club navigating a busy window. Following the departure of Elliot Anderson to Manchester City in a deal worth £116 million, the arrival of a player with Schlager’s experience and composure is expected to provide crucial balance and leadership in the middle of the park.

Experience and leadership from Germany

Schlager brings with him considerable experience, having served as vice-captain at RB Leipzig. Since joining from Wolfsburg in 2022, he made 108 appearances for the German club. Although Leipzig made efforts to extend his contract, the midfielder opted to take on a new challenge in the Premier League.

On the international stage, Schlager has been a consistent performer for the Austria national team, earning 55 caps. He featured in all four matches during their recent World Cup campaign, helping Austria reach the round of 32 before being eliminated 3-0 by Spain. His extensive international background is expected to be a valuable addition for a Forest side looking to climb higher in the league standings.

Reshaping Forest’s midfield unit

Schlager’s signing will strengthen a midfield group that already includes Ibrahim Sangare, Nicolas Dominguez, Ryan Yates, Morgan Gibbs-White, and James McAtee. While the club had previously considered a move for Tottenham Hotspur’s Lucas Bergvall to replace Anderson, the chance to acquire Schlager without a transfer fee proved irresistible.

Having made 150 appearances in the German Bundesliga, Schlager is well equipped to handle the physical intensity of English football. Following his addition, Forest are expected to remain proactive in the transfer market, with further reinforcements targeted at right-back and central defence to equip Glasner with a well-balanced squad ahead of the upcoming season.