The transfer from three perspectives

Marcel Sabitzer is about to move from RB Leipzig to Bayern Munich, according to information from SPOX and Goal, only the last details between the clubs have to be clarified. How sensible is the transfer for Bayern, Saxony and the player himself? The Sabitzer deal from three perspectives.

Marcel Sabitzer on FC Bayern: The perspective of FCB

With the commitment of the 27-year-old Austrian, an explicit wish of the new coach Julian Nagelsmann comes true. However, those responsible had little to oppose when the opportunity arose to enter the race for the Sabitzer, which is coveted across Europe. On the one hand because of its comparatively small price tag of 15 million euros. On the other hand, because of the recently clearly apparent need for action in the Bayern midfield.

With Corentin Tolisso (27), Marc Roca (24) and Michael Cuisance (22), at least on paper, there are three alternatives to the set Joshua Kimmich (26) and Leon Goretzka (26) in the center. However, Tolisso is very susceptible to injury, while Roca and Cuisance have so far not convinced in the jersey of the record champions.

With the Sabitzer transfer, the squad planners are basically closing the gap that has left the center since Thiago left for Liverpool in summer 2020. However, Sabitzer is a different type of player than Thiago and, unlike the Spaniard, can also play on the outside positions in attacking midfield – and at the same time opens up many new tactical opportunities for Nagelsmann. For example, Sabitzer has already acted as a “rail player” on the right under the 34-year-old coach in Leipzig.

That’s why Bayern ultimately decided against a commitment from winger Amine Adli (21), who is now under contract with Bayer Leverkusen. With Leroy Sane (25), Kingsley Coman (25), Serge Gnabry (26), Jamal Musiala (18) and the same Sabitzer, the record champions are very well occupied on the wing positions.

The only possible disadvantage of Sabitzer’s commitment: it could obstruct midfielders like Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Florian Neuhaus (24) or Eduardo Camavinga (18) from Stade Rennes, who were too expensive for FCB this year, to block their way to the Isar in the medium to long term.

However, the managers around Hasan Salihamidzic and Oliver Kahn are aware that the personnel situation in midfield will have to be reassessed again next summer. Then, firstly, Tolisso’s contract expires, and secondly, it should be clear whether Roca really has Bayern potential.