Werder Bremen signed Austrian national goalkeeper Alexander Schlager on 10 July 2026 to complete its goalkeeper roster. The 28‑year‑old, who featured at the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico, moves from Red Bull Salzburg to the Weser club.

Who has signed?

Alexander Schlager arrives from Salzburg, where he has been a regular starter since 2022. In the World Cup he displayed strong saves against top opponents and gained valuable international experience. Werder did not disclose a transfer fee, but the signing was officially announced on 10 July 2026.

Why does Schlager matter for Werder?

The club is struggling this season: Werder sits 15th in the Bundesliga with 32 points from 34 games (8 wins, 8 draws, 18 losses) and a recent form of LLLDW. With 37 goals scored and 60 conceded, the goal difference is –23, leaving them 57 points behind Bayern Munich. Schlager adds quality and a competitive mindset that should push the entire goalkeeper group.

What comes next after the signing?

Peter Niemeyer, head of professional football at Werder, says Schlager fits both sportingly and character-wise into the squad. The coaching staff plans to start the new season with a strong goalkeeper duo, while Keke Topp remains sidelined. The staff hopes the internal competition will raise the performance of all keepers.

How will this affect the season?

With Schlager on board, Werder can react more flexibly to injuries and boost defensive confidence. The upcoming fixtures will reveal whether the new option can curb the long‑standing defensive frailties. Supporters will watch closely to see if World Cup experience translates into the points needed to avoid relegation.