AFC Bournemouth have identified Xaver Schlager as a key midfield target, though no bid has been made. Cherries, preparing for a new era under the former RB Leipzig boss Marco Rose, are said to be firmly in the mix to sign the Austrian player when his contract expires at the end of the season.
AFC Bournemouth could be set for a significant summer boost as incoming head coach Marco Rose reportedly eyes a reunion with Xaver Schlager at the Vitality Stadium, so says German newspaper BILD.
The Cherries, preparing for a new era under the former RB Leipzig boss, are said to be firmly in the mix to sign the Austrian midfielder when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Reports from Germany suggest Rose is keen to make Schlager one of his first additions in the Premier League, with the 28-year-old already deciding against extending his stay at RB Leipzig.
Bournemouth’s appointment of Rose appears to have strengthened their chances, given the strong working relationship the pair developed in Germany.
From a Bournemouth perspective, the potential signing represents both quality and value. Schlager would arrive on a free transfer, bringing top-level European experience and international pedigree, having earned 50 caps for Austria.
His energy, tactical intelligence, and resilience in midfield could offer the Cherries an immediate upgrade as they look to push forward under new leadership. Schlager has a current Transfermarkt market value of €10.00m.
The connection between player and manager runs deep. Rose previously relied heavily on Schlager during their time together at Leipzig, where the midfielder became a trusted and consistent presence. Plus, their relationship dates back even further to their time within the Red Bull Salzburg system, where they celebrated success together at youth level.
REUTERS/Annegret HilseBournemouth’s evolving squad already contains familiar links to Rose’s past, including Tyler Adams and Justin Kluivert, both of whom have connections to Leipzig. The potential addition of Schlager would further strengthen that core, potentially helping Rose implement his style more quickly on the south coast.
However, Bournemouth are not alone in the race. Interest from clubs such as Celtic, Juventus, and Roma means Schlager has options, and a final decision may not come until later in the summer.
Still, with a clear managerial vision forming and strong personal ties in place, Bournemouth will feel they have a compelling case as they look to build for the future under Rose.
Rose officially starts on July 1st, when his contract in Leipzig expires. It is planned that his current assistant coaches Alexander Zickler (52) and Marco Kurth (47) will accompany him, but according to BILD information, this is far from certain.
In other transfer news, Cherries have reportedly earmarked 26 year old Evan Ndicka as a key defensive target, according to TransferFeed.com - although an official bid has yet to be made.
His current club, AS Roma, could be forced into player sales due to UEFA financial fair play pressures. Despite Ndicka being under contract until 2028, a transfer remains a possibility if the right offer arrives, with multiple clubs also monitoring his situation.