OFFICIAL: Bayern Munich sign Marcel Sabitzer for €16 million

Nicholas Hughes
Nicholas Hughes
  • Updated: 30 Aug 2021 15:13 BST
  • 3 min read
Man Utd transfer news: Is Sabitzer heading towards a summer move?
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Bayern Munich have confirmed the signing of Marcel Sabitzer from Bundesliga rivals RB Leipzig for €16 million.

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The Austrian follows Julian Nagelsmann in making the switch to Bayern after seven years at Leipzig, where he made 299 appearances in all competitions, contributing 52 goals and 42 assists.

After joining Die Roten Bullen in 2014, Sabitzer spent a season on loan at RB Salzburg where he dominated the Austrian Bundesliga with 19 goals and 16 assists in 33 games.

That more than proved to Leipzig Sabitzer’s quality, and he was instrumental in the club’s promotion season in 2. Bundesliga and continued his ever-presence across five full Bundesliga seasons.

With widespread interest in him for some time, Sabitzer had informed the club that he would not renew his contract, which was due to expire in June 2022.

Despite there being a rumoured €50m release clause in Sabitzer’s contract, Bayern have been able to negotiate a lower price with Leipzig at risk of losing him on a free transfer in a year.

Communication lines between the two clubs are becoming very familiar as Sabitzer joins not only Nagelsmann, but also centre-back Dayot Upamecano in joining the German champions from Leipzig this summer.

An incredibly versatile player, Sabitzer initially began his career as a forward, indicative of his prolific season at Salzburg, but has since developed into a central midfielder, though he remains capable of playing on the wing or as a centre forward.

Bayern beat Manchester United to Sabitzer signature

Manchester United were heavily linked with Sabitzer for much of last season, but a move was never forthcoming from the Premier League outfit, allowing Bayern to swoop for his signature.

Sabitzer will join his new teammates after the international break and should be in place to make his Bayern debut against Leipzig on September 11.

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