Nottingham Forest have confirmed the signing of midfielder Xaver Schlager.

The 28-year-old has become the Reds’ first addition of the summer transfer window, and the first to join under head coach Oliver Glasner. He has put pen to paper on a two-year deal for the club.

Schlager was most recently with RB Leipzig, before he left when his contract expired at the end of last season. An Austria international, he represented his country at this summer’s World Cup.

Schlager knows Glasner well from their time working together at Wolfsburg. After putting pen to paper, he said: “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.”

Schlager spent the past four seasons with RB Leipzig and acted as vice-captain during the 2025/26 campaign. He also counts Red Bull Salzburg and Liefering as his former clubs.

Forest’s chief football officer George Syrianos said: “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. We’re excited to see him get to work and to welcome him and his family to Nottingham.”