Xaver Schlager will be on the hunt for a new challenge this summer after confirming he would be leaving RB Leipzig.
The 28-year-old was offered a contract extension by the Bundesliga giants, but opted to reject their advances.
Schlager has fallen down the pecking order but is still of interest to several clubs, with the Glasgow Times even claiming that Celtic have made a pre-contract offer.
Celtic’s midfield has become too one-dimensional and a different style of player is required to take them to the next level.
We don’t know if Schlager will be that man, but the idea of a new adventure is what has led to his decision to leave his current club.
You must drop one midfielder so that Xaver Schlager can play for Celtic…
Who do you pick?
Xaver Schlager confirms RB Leipzig departure
His exit was seemingly confirmed earlier this weekend and in a public message to supporters and the club, the 28-year-old explained why he turned down a contract extension.
He said: “My last three-and-a-half years at the club have been marked by several unforgettable moments.
“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.
“But ultimately, my desire is to experience and try something new.
“It wasn’t a rejection of RB Leipzig, but rather a decision to pursue something else.”
Is this Celtic’s strongest starting XI now that the transfer window has closed?
What does yours look like?
Xaver Schlager will have to take a pay cut to join Celtic
Adding someone of Schlager’s quality would be most welcome but it could come at a price.
According to Salary Sport, the midfielder earns a salary of £79,000 a week.
That is more than Celtic’s highest-paid player, Kieran Tierney, who pockets £50,000 a week.
Bringing him to Glasgow may require him to take a pay cut so that the budgets aren’t stretched too far, or will Celtic be very ambitious?
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