RB Leipzig confirm Xaver Schlager exit | OneFootball

Xaver Schlager and RB Leipzig will go separate ways at the end of the season.

Die Roten Bullen confirmed on Friday that the midfielder has decided not to extend his contract, which expires this summer.

"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," said RB Leipzig managing director for sport Marcel Schäfer.

"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, who has been linked with a move to Juventus, commented:

"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!"

The 28-year-old has made a total of 97 appearances for Leipzig so far, scoring four goals and providing nine assists.