RB Leipzig midfielder Xaver Schlager is one of the most respected players in the Bundesliga for his tough, fearless play — a reputation that earned him comparisons to Bayern legend Bastian Schweinsteiger.
This summer, the Austrian will be a free agent and currently makes only €5 million per season (€4 million salary + €1 million bonus). Former Bayern Munich and Germany great Lothar Matthäus thinks inking Schlager to a free agent deal (no transfer fee) would be a deft move for the Bavarians.
“Since
Leon Goretzka is leaving Munich, Schlager could be a good fit. He’s available on a free transfer, has international experience, and has known the Bundesliga for years,” Matthäus told Bild (as captured by @iMiaSanMia). “And in Leipzig, he’s not just responsible for the physical work, but also contributes to the team’s attacking play. Schlager is like (Konrad) Laimer’s twin on the pitch, just as tenacious and strong in duels. And Laimer would concentrate on his role as a right-back at Bayern if Schlager were to join.”
RB Leipzig issued a press release detailing Schlager’s impending exit:
RB Leipzig and Xaver Schlager will part ways at the end of the 2025/26 season. Following several open and respectful discussions between the two parties, the midfielder has decided to not extend his contract at the club, which was set to expire on 30th June 2026.
The Austria international joined the Red Bulls in 2022 from VfL Wolfsburg. Since then, he has featured in a total of 97 competitive games for the club, scoring four goals and providing nine assists. Schlager lifted both the DFB-Pokal and the DFL-Supercup with RBL in 2023.
Marcel Schäfer, managing director for sport:
“We dedicated a lot of time and effort over the course of several meetings to trying to persuade Xaver to extend his contract with us. However, of course we accept and respect his decision to pursue a new challenge, especially as the whole process was characterised by open and honest discussions.
Over the last three-and-a-half years, Xaver has played a key role at RB Leipzig and always gave his all on the pitch. We owe him a debt of gratitude and naturally wish him all the best for his next chapter. Our focus remains on what lies ahead and, together with Xaver, we will do everything we can over the coming months to achieve our goals this season.”
So, what do you say Bayern Munich fans? Do you think the Bavarians should purse the 28-year-old?
If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…
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