Report: Bayern Munich working on a transfer for RB Leipzig’s Marcel Sabitzer (Update #6: Sabitzer and Nagelsmann want the deal to happen)

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.

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.

Update #3

Christian Falk says that the negotiations are “hot”.

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:

Bad news:

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:

—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?