Overview
- Forest confirmed the signing of Austria international Xaver Schlager on Thursday, July 23, 2026, with the player signing a two-year deal after his RB Leipzig contract expired.
- The move reunites Schlager with head coach Oliver Glasner and is presented as the start of a measured recruitment plan that prioritises specific, experienced additions over wholesale squad change.
- Club officials say Schlager brings leadership, Bundesliga and international experience and the pressing and ball-progressing qualities Glasner values for a back-three system.
- Schlager’s injury history, including past cruciate ligament problems, is cited as a reason for the two-year contract and will be closely monitored as he integrates into pre-season training; his competitive debut for Forest has been suggested as possible on August 22 but remains unconfirmed.
- The signing follows the club’s stated aim to keep a core squad while using transfer proceeds for targeted reinforcements, and it signals Forest’s priority of stability and a clearer playing identity after recent managerial turnover.