Werder Bremen have secured the services of Austria international goalkeeper Alexander Schlager from RB Salzburg, the Bundesliga club confirmed. The transfer is free of charge despite Schlager having a contract with Salzburg until 2027. While the length of Schlager’s contract with Bremen has not been publicly disclosed, the move marks the 30-year-old’s first professional experience outside of Austria.
Schlager, who has earned 30 caps for the Austrian national team, was part of their squad at the recent World Cup. He has been a consistent performer for Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga, featuring regularly in both domestic and European competitions. The move to Bremen represents an opportunity for Schlager to test himself in one of Europe’s top leagues and compete for regular first-team football.
At Werder Bremen, Schlager will compete with Karl Hein for the starting goalkeeper position. Bremen have been assessing their options in goal ahead of the new season, and the arrival of Schlager adds further depth and competition to the squad. Head of Football Peter Niemeyer expressed the club’s confidence in Schlager’s integration, stating, “We are convinced that he will integrate very well into our team, both on and off the pitch.”
Niemeyer also highlighted the club’s aim to build a strong goalkeeping department, adding, “We are thus entering the season with a very strong goalkeeping team that will constantly challenge each other. That was our goal when considering this position.” Schlager is expected to join the team following their training camp in Zillertal. The addition of an experienced international goalkeeper strengthens Bremen’s squad as they prepare for the upcoming Bundesliga campaign and provides a reliable option between the posts.
