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Published Jul 15, 2026, 5:06 PM GMT+1
Emilio is an experienced football journalist who has worked at Football FanCast for over six years.
After graduating with first-class honours from the University of Central Lancashire in 2019, it didn't take long for Emilio to clinch his first job in journalism at Snack Media, now Valnet.
Emilio has written for a host of the company's biggest past and current football news websites - Vital Football, The Transfer Tavern and Football FanCast.
Emilio's strengths include the intricacies of football transfers, while he particularly enjoys writing about the business side of football. He has covered Tottenham Hotspur on a weekly basis for a number of years now, developing a deep understanding of the culture and what Lilywhites fans engage with.
In his spare time, you can find Emilio travelling the world, or even in a boxing ring.
Nottingham Forest's recruitment has gathered momentum in recent days as Oliver Glasner continues putting his own stamp on the squad.
The Reds have been linked with Sevilla left-back Joaquin Oso, while interest in Celtic forward Daizen Maeda and Irish youngster Cathal McCarthy underlines the club's desire to add quality across several positions.
Forest have also scoured for midfield reinforcements following Elliot Anderson's record-breaking departure.
Now, Forest appear to have secured one of the most eye-catching free transfers of the summer.
Nottingham Forest set to sign Xaver Schlager after RB Leipzig exit
According to David Ornstein, Nottingham Forest are set to sign former RB Leipzig midfielder Xaver Schlager after the Austria international turned down a contract extension in Germany as well as interest from several leading European clubs.
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David Ornstein is regarded as one of football's most reliable transfer journalists. His reporting is based on extensive contacts across clubs, agents and executives, and major transfer developments he reports are frequently confirmed soon afterwards. When Ornstein publishes an exclusive, it is generally considered among the strongest available sources. |
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Forest avoid paying a transfer fee because Schlager is available as a free agent after leaving RB Leipzig. Although his salary is likely to reflect his experience and international pedigree, a free transfer significantly reduces the overall cost, allowing Forest to invest their budget in strengthening other positions. |
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Schlager has earned widespread respect through his intelligence, discipline and work rate rather than flashy statistics. He reads danger quickly, presses aggressively and rarely wastes possession. Years competing in the Bundesliga and Champions League have helped develop him into one of Austria's most dependable midfield leaders. |
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If Schlager settles quickly, Forest would gain an experienced midfielder capable of improving both performances and standards around the training ground. His leadership could prove particularly valuable alongside younger teammates. |
Ornstein adds that the 28-year-old has agreed a two-year contract with the option of a further season and is due to undergo his medical this week.
For Forest, this represents a very different type of signing.
Why Nottingham Forest have signed Xaver Schlager
Schlager arrives with more than a decade of top-level experience after spells with RB Salzburg, Wolfsburg and RB Leipzig, where he established himself as one of the Bundesliga's most reliable midfield operators when fit.
That experience could prove invaluable.
Comfortable winning possession, protecting the defence and moving the ball quickly through midfield, he has built his reputation on consistency rather than spectacular moments.
His leadership is another major attraction.
Having represented Austria more than 50 times, Schlager has become one of his country's senior figures and recently enhanced his reputation with a series of impressive performances at the World Cup.
That tournament appears to have increased interest in his signature, making Forest's ability to win the race particularly significant.
In a market where experienced international midfielders often command huge fees, securing one without paying a penny bar his wages and agents fees represents excellent value.
If Ornstein's report proves accurate, Schlager's choice suggests Forest's project under Glasner is becoming increasingly attractive to established internationals as well as emerging talent.
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