Vincent Kompany urged to turn Celtic transfer rival over international ace heading for free agency this summer
Celtic have been linked with making a transfer move for one midfielder.
A German football icon has urged Bayern Munich to make a pre-contract move for a reported Celtic transfer target.
The Hoops have been linked with a move for RB Leipzig midfielder Xaver Schlager, who has confirmed he will leave the Bundesliga side at the end of his contract this summer. They won’t be the only ones alerted to that news and Bayern legend Lothar Matthaus reckons his ex-side should be launching a move. A Ballon d'Or and World Cup winner in his playing days, he reckons the midfielder solves current issues at Vincent Kompany’s team.
Bayern have not been shy in raiding the domestic German scene to bolster their squad and taking players off Leipzig are no different. French international Dayot Upamecano and Schlager's Austrian teammates with Austria in Marcel Sabitzer and Konrad Laimer have also been recruited by the German giants in recent years.
Who could Xaver Schlager sign for this summer transfer window?
Mathaus said to Bild: “He's a free agent, has international experience, and has known the Bundesliga for years. And in Leipzig, he's not just responsible for the physical aspects of the game, but also contributes to the team's attacking play. Schlager is like Laimer's twin on the pitch. He is just as tenacious and strong in tackles."
Marcel Schafer, managing director for sport at RB Leipzig, said of his impending exit: "We dedicated a lot of time and effort over the course of several meetings to trying to persuade Xaver to extend his contract with us.
“However, of course we accept and respect his decision to pursue a new challenge, especially as the whole process was characterised by open and honest discussions.
Celtic transfer target on future
“Over the last three-and-a-half years, Xaver has played a key role at RB Leipzig and always gave his all on the pitch. We owe him a debt of gratitude and naturally wish him all the best for his next chapter. Our focus remains on what lies ahead and, together with Xaver, we will do everything we can over the coming months to achieve our goals this season."
Schlager added: "My last three-and-a-half years at the club have been marked by several unforgettable moments, in particular our DFB-Pokal and DFL-Supercup triumphs in 2023. I feel very at home here, both at the club and within the team. That's why I really appreciate the efforts the club and its management team have put into our discussions.
“Ultimately, what won out for me is my desire to experience and try something new. It wasn't a rejection of RB Leipzig, but rather a decision to pursue something new. Anyone who knows me will know that I will give my all for this club, our fans and our shared goals until the final whistle of my last game. My priority is to close this chapter of my life at RB Leipzig in a positive way!"