Austrian international Xaver Schlager, 28, is a transfer target for Panathinaikos, as his contract with RB Leipzig is set to expire in the summer. According to recent reports, the midfielder is on the shortlists of clubs outside Germany, which has led to discussions about a potential winter move for a fee below his market value. It is believed in the market that Leipzig could be open to negotiations for a fee of around 4–5 million euros to prevent him from leaving for free. However, on January 5, RB Leipzig's sporting director, Marcel Schafer, stated that he was very sure a winter transfer would not happen. He acknowledged being aware of Schlager's thoughts and that personal matters were a factor, adding that it was possible to reach an agreement or decide against it, and that the club wanted clarity during January.
A key factor in the transfer is Schlager's significant injury history, which includes a cruciate ligament injury in 2024 and a similar past injury during his time at Wolfsburg. This history is the main reason for the lower potential transfer cost and means any deal would require a thorough medical examination. For any interested club, including Panathinaikos, the risk is considered calculable if the terms are structured correctly. The potential transfer presents significant potential benefits and significant risks, and depends on medical results and the financial details of the agreement. The central midfielder, who has 49 caps and 4 goals for Austria, joined Leipzig from VfL Wolfsburg in July 2022 for a reported €12 million and has a current market value of €10.00m, according to Transfermarkt. This season, he has scored 2 goals in 13 Bundesliga appearances. In addition to Panathinaikos, Celtic, Roma and Juventus have also been linked with the player.
