Juventus step up talks for Xaver Schlager in blow to Celtic hopes

Celtic’s chances of signing Xaver Schlager in the summer appear to be fading fast, with Juventus reportedly stepping up talks for the RB Leipzig midfielder.

Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport claim negotiations between Juventus and the Austria international have “accelerated” in recent hours, putting the Serie A club firmly in control of the race. For Celtic, who had been credited with an interest, any realistic hope of a deal now looks increasingly remote.

Schlager is expected to leave Leipzig at the end of the season when his contract expires, making him an attractive option for clubs keen to add proven quality without paying a transfer fee. As interest grew across Europe, Celtic were quickly linked, with his profile fitting many of the needs in Martin O’Neill’s midfield.

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Juventus step up talks for Xaver Schlager in blow to Celtic hopes

The 27-year-old is known as a high-energy central midfielder who presses aggressively, covers a lot of ground, and keeps the ball moving with simple, sharp passing. With Celtic facing another campaign of domestic pressure and European football, bringing in someone used to the demands of the Bundesliga and Champions League would have raised the level immediately.

However, Juventus can offer a package Celtic simply cannot match. Regular Serie A football, higher wages, and the prospect of competing deep into European competitions all weigh heavily in the Turin club’s favour. If talks really have moved on as quickly as reported, it is hard to see how Celtic could bridge that gap.

Celtic are planning for next season, but they rarely move early on signings of this scale unless there is a clear opening and little competition. Once a club like Juventus makes a decisive move, the space for others usually disappears very quickly.