Midfielder, Xaver Schlager has joined Nottingham Forest on a free transfer from RB Leipzig.
Schlager’s move to the City Ground comes after four seasons at Germany’s RB Leipzig, where he scored five goals in 108 appearances before he was released upon expiry of his contract at the end of June.
Schlager has signed a two-year contract until June 2028 and will wear the number 21 shirt.
Following completion of his move to Forest, Schlager told the club’s official website that he is excited about the new challenge of playing in English football.
“It is a huge honour to join Nottingham Forest, it is a very traditional club with a big history winning two European Cups under Brian Clough. I wanted a new challenge and to join a club with good players and I am happy to be reunited with Oliver who I know from my time at Wolfsburg.
“The club has big ambitions and so do I, I want to be back in European competitions, and we have a good chance. It is the best feeling to play internationally during the week, and I want to achieve that.
“I am very happy and proud to be here, and I want to give my everything for the Club and its supporters.”
Forest’s Chief Football Officer, George Syrianos added that Schlager brings qualities and leadership to the team, having previously worked with new manager – Oliver Glasner in his first two seasons of a three-season stint at VFL Wolfsburg where he scored three goals in 81 appearances.
“Xaver brings really important qualities and characteristics to the team and he’s a player we’re delighted to be welcoming to Forest.
“He’s a leader, with years of experience playing at the highest level in Europe, and there is a strong feeling he has all the attributes to make an immediate impact on the team.
“Xaver enjoyed a successful period with Oliver at Wolfsburg, which will help him integrate into the squad and gives him an understanding of the demands that will be set on the players.”
Schlager began his senior career in Austria at Liefering where he scored seven goals in 46 appearances for Red Bull Salzburg’s feeder team between 2015-17, whilst he occasionally stepped up to the main RB Salzburg team in that period before he became a regular in the 2017-18 season.
He consequently recorded 11 goals in 107 total appearances at RB Salzburg across 2015-18 before he moved to VFL Wolfsburg.
The 28-year-old midfielder represents Austria at international level with four goals in 55 senior caps and was part of their squad at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with their campaign ended in the Round of 32 by eventual champions, Spain.