Sabitzer for €20m would be Man Utd's signing of the summer

Stuart Telford

• 13 Apr 2023 21:12 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United can reportedly make Marcel Sabitzer's loan deal from Bayern Munich permanent at the end of the season for €20 million. It would be the best €20m they could possibly spend.

Sabitzer scored a brace for United against Sevilla in the Europa League quarter-finals on Thursday, taking his personal haul to three goals and an assist since he arrived from Bayern in January.

The Austrian wasn't even signed for his attacking output. Since Christian Eriksen's injury, he has generally been paired with Casemiro as part of a double pivot, from where he already has 40 ball recoveries in the Premier League.

READ: Bayern's stance on Sabitzer's Man Utd transfer request

There is no clause in the current loan deal which allows United to make it permanent by default, but it is understood that Bayern would accept €20m for a player they paid RB Leipzig €15m for two years ago. And the player wants to stay.

Sabitzer happy

"Of course, my thoughts are on Manchester United, especially with the trust I get from Erik ten Hag - it's very positive," he said recently. "I've found my place here. Now I know the Premier League and can say there's nothing better."

Sabitzer's latest star turn took part in the Europa League, but at home or abroad of late it has been notable that he has been trusted to play at No.10 while Bruno Fernandes has anchored the midfield.

READ: Man Utd star's 'best football ever' still not good enough says club legend

Sabitzer has proved not just his ability but also his versatility, and that could also be a boon to Erik ten Hag next season. There are reports the Dutchman was to institute a 4-3-3 that saw him win six major honours as Ajax manager, and Sabitzer, and asset on both sides of the ball, would fit that comfortably.

There are also reports that United are willing to spend north of €100m on a new striker, with Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen top of their shopping list, whilst they have joined the race to sign England midfielder Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund.

But if Sabitzer's available for €20m, United should bite Bayern's hands off.