Celtic’s reported interest in Xaver Schlager has always come with a hint of sceptisim, and that warning sign grew clearer this week when Lothar Matthäus spoke in Germany.
When one of Bayern Munich’s most famous former players speaks about a free agent and says he should be signed, things usually change fast.Schlager is nearing the end of his RB Leipzig deal and is free to speak to clubs. That has put him on several shortlists, Celtic among them.
The attraction is obvious. He is a central midfielder who covers ground, wins challenges, and keeps the game moving over 90 minutes. That is a profile Celtic could desperately use, especially given the need to dominate at home while coping with European football.
Interest, though, only goes so far once Bayern come into the picture. Matthäus talking publicly about Schlager is not just background noise. Bayern are always watching for players who know the league, the speed, and the pressure that comes with it. A free transfer with proven Bundesliga experience fits neatly into that thinking.
This is where reality kicks in for Celtic. Even without a fee, Bayern can offer things Celtic simply cannot. A signing-on fee would be higher. Wages would sit in a completely different bracket. If Bayern move for Schlager, Celtic’s chances almost certainly disappear.That does not mean the initial link was meaningless. It shows Celtic are targeting players above the usual development bracket or low-risk free deals. It also shows how quickly the market can turn once a top club makes its interest known.
Matthäus said: (BILD), “He’s a free agent, has international experience, and has known the Bundesliga for years.
“And in Leipzig, he’s not just responsible for the physical aspects of the game, but also contributes to the team’s attacking play.“Schlager is like Laimer’s twin on the pitch.
“He is just as tenacious and strong in tackles.”
For Bayern, this is about depth and dependability. Schlager would come in ready-made, without the need for a settling-in period. He matches the type of midfielder they already rely on.
For Celtic, it turns into a waiting game. If Bayern act, there is little option but to look elsewhere. If they don’t, the Hoops have an outside chance of sealing a deal.This is the nature of targeting players at this level. At times, the ambition itself matters. For Celtic, there is still a positive. Being linked with someone like Schlager points to a recruitment approach that goes beyond projects or future resale alone.
It shows a readiness to explore moves for players who could raise the quality of the team straight away, even when the chances are slim. That carries the risk of frustration, but it also signals how Celtic view themselves and the bar they are slowly beginning to look to meet.