AFC Bournemouth manager Marco Rose is targeting a reunion with RB Leipzig midfielder Xaver Schlager on a free transfer this summer, according to a report from German publication Bild. The Austrian international's contract with the Bundesliga club is set to expire and will not be renewed, making him available without a transfer fee. Schlager is currently considering his options and a decision on his next club may not be finalized until after the upcoming World Cup.
Rose, who was confirmed as Bournemouth's new head coach earlier this month, previously managed Schlager during his tenure at RB Leipzig from September 2022 until March 2025. The 49-year-old German is set to succeed Andoni Iraola at the Vitality Stadium at the conclusion of the current Premier League season. His familiarity with the player is seen as a key factor in Bournemouth's interest, as he looks to shape his squad ahead of his first campaign in English football.
The 27-year-old Schlager, who joined Leipzig from VfL Wolfsburg in 2022, has been a consistent performer in the heart of midfield, known for his defensive work rate, ball-winning abilities, and efficient distribution. He has earned over 40 caps for the Austrian national team and was a regular starter under Rose during their time together in Germany. His potential arrival would bolster a Bournemouth midfield that has relied heavily on the contributions of players like Lewis Cook and Ryan Christie.
Bild's report indicates that Bournemouth will face significant competition for Schlager's signature, with Celtic, Juventus, and Roma also linked with the player. The prospect of playing in the Premier League under a familiar coach could prove a decisive advantage for the Cherries in what is expected to be a competitive market for an experienced international available on a free transfer. For Schlager, the move would represent a first foray into English football at a crucial stage of his career.
For Bournemouth, securing a player of Schlager's profile without a transfer fee aligns with the club's prudent financial model and would provide Rose with a ready-made, trusted lieutenant to help implement his tactical ideas from the outset. His acquisition would signal an intent to build a squad capable of consolidating and improving upon the club's mid-table Premier League status. The potential deal underscores Rose's intention to utilize his Bundesliga connections as he constructs his new squad on the south coast.
