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Huge news from Bild just now — per their reporting, Bayern Munich are trying to sign Marcel Sabitzer from RB Leipzig. A transfer fee of 18 million euros plus variables is under discussion.
After failing to win a single one of their four preseason friendly games, it looks like the Bayern bosses have decided that the club needs reinforcements in midfield. With Marc Roca out injured for several weeks and Corentin Tolisso on his way out of the club, Sabitzer’s name has come up as a viable target for the Bavarians.
Per Bild, Nagelsmann would appreciate the addition of Sabitzer, who could serve as a quality backup to guys like Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka, and bolster a Bayern midfield that has been lacking quality since Thiago Alcantara’s departure to Liverpool. The player himself is looking to make a big move this summer, so Leipzig might be obliged to sell him if Bayern make an offer.
Honestly, as a fan, it’s extremely refreshing (and surprising!) to hear that Bayern are still going after transfer targets this late in the window. If this move goes through, the midfield depth for next season will be totally sorted, and Joshua Kimmich could even put in emergency shifts at right-back if Benjamin Pavard gets injured (you do NOT want Buona Sarr starting in the Champions League).
Let’s hope that the reporting by Bild is accurate this time, and Bayern are indeed going after Sabitzer. Shoutout to our writer Schnitzel01, who has been pushing for this move all summer.
Update
It’s not just Bild reporting it now, Kerry Hau of Spox has also jumped on the Sabitzer train.
Ja, der #FCBayern beschäftigt sich mit Marcel #Sabitzer, bislang hat es aber keine Kontaktaufnahme mit #RBLeipzig bezüglich Verhandlungen gegeben. Klar ist: Der Spieler strebt einen Abgang aus Leipzig an. Klar ist auch: Sabitzer und Nagelsmann schätzen sich gegenseitig sehr.
— Kerry Hau (@kerry_hau) August 3, 2021
Yes #FCBayern deals with Marcel #Sabitzer, but so far it has not contacted #RBLeipzig regarding negotiations. One thing is clear: The player is aiming for an exit from Leipzig. It is also clear: Sabitzer and Nagelsmann appreciate each other very much.
It’s not any new info, but there is some weight behind other journalists corroborating Bild’s info. Let’s hope that this is the beginning of Bayern’s pursuit of Sabitzer.
Update #2
Sky also confirms Bayern’s interest in Sabitzer, but says it will be subject to financial limitations. Oh no.
Sky confirms Bayern's 'fundamental intetest' in Marcel Sabitzer. However, the financial terms of the club once again remain the sticking point. No final decision regarding any potential move has been made yet, as per @Sky_Torben
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) August 3, 2021
Update #3
Christian Falk says that the negotiations are “hot”.
True ✅ the negotiations between Bayern and Leipzig because of Marcel Sabitzer are hot @BILD_Bayern
— Christian Falk (@cfbayern) August 4, 2021
Update #4
This is basically more of a live blog than an update at this point, but Plettenberg has some news for us. Good news:
Update #Sabitzer: @DieRotenBullen would not prevent a move to #FCBayern if the club pays a suitable transfer fee in the range of €15-18m. RB is relaxed because Marsch has many alternatives at this position. Leipzig does not expect his contract extension. @SPORT1
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) August 4, 2021
Bad news:
❗️Update #Sabitzer: He is the desired box-to-box player of Nagelsmann. But no negotiations betw. the clubs yet, quick agreem. not in sight. #FCBayern has to sell first. MS can sign anywhere from January as an upcoming free agent. FCB is one of 3 clubs where he would move. @SPORT1
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) August 4, 2021
Update #5
Our guy Ineednoname is probably asleep, so here is the latest on Sabitzer. Bayern Munich has, indeed, made contact with Sabitzer, but not with RB Leipzig. Per Fabrizio Romano on Twitch, Bayern Munich is “preparing something serious” for Sabitzer:
"It's true there are contacts between Bayern and Sabitzer, but not yet between the clubs. But Bayern are preparing 'something serious' for Sabitzer. They want him, and it will take some days to see what happens" [@FabrizioRomano @Twitch] pic.twitter.com/6Gkj0YlD79
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) August 4, 2021
—C.Smith
Update #6
Per Bild, Julian Nagelsmann and Marcel Sabitzer both want the deal to happen. Can Bayern Munich work it out with RB Leipzig?
If Sabitzer to Bayern would fall through, it certainly wouldn't be because of the player. Both Julian Nagelsmann and Sabitzer want the move to happen [Bild]
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) August 4, 2021