RB Leipzig is currently engaging in negotiations to extend the contract of midfielder Xaver Schlager, who has faced challenges this season due to injury. The 27-year-old Austrian, who remains pivotal to the club's tactics, is seeing his future at the Red Bull Arena come under scrutiny as Leipzig management strives to avoid ending up like they did with Konrad Laimer, who departed on a free transfer.
Reported by Sky Germany on March 17, 2025, negotiations are underway with Schlager, whose current contract does not expire until 2026. The prolonged discussions are intended to provide clarity on his future by season’s end, coinciding with the club’s aspirations to secure Champions League football for the upcoming season.
This season, Schlager returned from a torn ligament injury but has struggled to find his best form, which has impacted his overall performance. Despite these struggles, he has expressed a desire to not only play at the highest level again but also to compete on European football's most prestigious stage. Schlager stated, "First and foremost, I would like to play in the Champions League again because it wasn’t enough for me this year. Otherwise, as a little boy, I always dreamed of England. I don’t make a big deal out of it. I say it openly and honestly. England is the top league where everyone wants to go because it’s simply so spectacular and there are so many very good teams there."
He continued with reassurance about his current status at Leipzig, where he feels settled: "But I feel very comfortable in Leipzig. If you’re healthy and fit, that's already a great thing. I’d like to have ... and just play and have fun for myself. Then I can calmly see what the future holds for me."
This outlook is set against the backdrop of Leipzig’s recent performance on the pitch. The club achieved a significant 2-0 victory against Borussia Dortmund, which moved them to fifth place on the Bundesliga table, merely three points adrift of the coveted Champions League spots. This win injects renewed hope for both the team and the supporters as they eye the final games of the season.
Looking forward, Leipzig's management has indicated they plan to undertake structural changes, both on and off the pitch during the summer transfer window. Whether Xaver Schlager will be part of this anticipated overhaul remains uncertain, yet the club's commitment to retaining him has been made clear. The upcoming months will be pivotal for both Schlager and Leipzig, as plans for continued success and the qualification pursuits intensify.
With roster decisions looming and the desire for Champions League participation firmly on the table, the negotiations around Schlager's contract could have significant ramifications for the team's future direction and overall ambitions. The club aims to utilize the remainder of the season to establish stability and prepare for what could be both exciting and transformative times at RB Leipzig.
