​Werder Bremen are poised to bring in Austria’s goalkeeper Alexander Schlager from RB Salzburg, according to daily Salzburger Nachrichten, which reported on Thursday that the transfer will be completed on a free move despite Schlager’s contract running through 2027. The outlet notes that Schlager is set to depart on a free transfer, leaving Salzburg without a fee on the table even though he remains under contract for several more years.
Schlager, who has been a fixture for his national team, featured in all four of Austria’s World Cup matches and notably saved a penalty from Lionel Messi during the group-stage clash against Argentina. Although Austria were eliminated in the Round of 16, Schlager’s performances during the tournament drew increased attention from clubs across Europe, including Werder Bremen, who are looking to bolster their goalkeeping options ahead of the new season.
With the 2024-25 Bundesliga campaign approaching, Bremen are preparing to kick off the season with Karl Hein cementing his status as the club’s first-choice keeper. The Danish-born Estonian stopper, who joined Bremen on a permanent basis, has impressed management with his consistency and shot-stopping ability. Schlager’s arrival would add healthy competition for playing time and provide a high-quality backup option to push Hein in training and during matches.
The potential move follows a period of reshuffling among Bremen’s goalkeeping department. Last month, Mio Backhaus departed to Freiburg in a deal reportedly worth €15 million ($17.1 million), creating a significant gap between the posts that Bremen were keen to fill. Reinforcements between the posts were identified as a priority for the club, which has been actively pursuing options to strengthen its squad depth.
Should the transfer go through, Schlager’s experience at European club level and his international exposure would be welcomed assets for Werder Bremen. The Austrian keeper has developed a reputation for reliability, command of the penalty area, and calm distribution under pressure—qualities that Bremen’s coaches hope will translate into stability for the team as they navigate a competitive Bundesliga season.
From a tactical standpoint, Schlager’s arrival could provide Bremen with a versatile option in goal, capable of competing with Hein for starts or stepping in as a seasoned deputy when required. The pair offers a blend of youth and experience, with Hein’s own development being a focal point for the club’s long-term planning. If Schlager joins, Bremen would have a two-goalkeeper setup that could help the team manage fixtures more effectively, rotate based on form and fitness, and maintain a high level of performance throughout the campaign.
Fans will be watching closely for official confirmation from Werder Bremen regarding Schlager’s signing. The deal, if completed, would illustrate Bremen’s commitment to reinforcing the squad after a busy transfer window and could signal a broader strategy to strengthen the squad’s depth and quality in key positions ahead of a demanding Bundesliga season and European competition ambitions.
In summary, Werder Bremen are on the verge of signing Austria international goalkeeper Alexander Schlager from RB Salzburg on a free transfer, a move that would augment their goalkeeping options and introduce additional competition for Karl Hein as they kick off the new Bundesliga season. The report from Salzburger Nachrichten on Thursday highlighted the free-transfer nature of the deal, despite Schlager’s contract running through 2027, and pointed to Bremen’s ongoing efforts to reinforce between the posts following Mio Backhaus’s departure to Freiburg.