BFW Commentary: Why Marcel Sabitzer would be an outstanding signing for Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich are reportedly interested in bringing RB Leipzig’s Marcel Sabitzer to Munich, and I for one, am ecstatic. As someone who has been clamouring for this move to happen the past six months, this is the dream for me. Shoutout to my partner in crime, RLD, who has also been behind this move for some time now.

So, why sign the Austrian?

Well, for starters, he checks Bayern’s Austrian quota. Bayern have never won a treble without an Austrian in the squad, so Sabitzer solves that instantly. Second, he’s one of the best midfielders available on the market. Since he has just one year left on his contract, he could leave Leipzig for €20 million or lower (The Athletic puts the value at around 18 million), which would be an absolute STEAL. There is not a single midfielder in the market who’d give us better value for that money. Sabitzer’s current market value is close to €50 million, and even that seems a tad short.

Next, the positions he can play in. One of Sabitzer’s most important qualities is his versatility. Able to play as a 6, 8 or 10, he can take on any position in midfield and perform with aplomb. At Bayern, since Müller always plays at the AM, Sabitzer would be expected to play as a 6 or an 8 and become a part of a world class midfield rotation involving him, Kimmich and Goretzka. This would allow Bayern to see combinations like Sabitzka, Kimmitzer and Kimmetzka, all very potent duos. Heck, Nagelsmann could even give Müller a rest and start all three of them together.

Photo by Boris Streubel/Bongarts/Getty Images

On top of that, he is great as a deep lying playmaker or as an advanced box-to-box midfielders. Some notable qualities include great passing, superb vision and a wicked shot. The Austrian has made himself a name over the past few years with some incredible long range belters and dead balls that he has hammered into the net. We’d get an elite FK + corner specialist and a box to box threat folded into one.

Finally, the intangibles. Sabitzer has been Nagelsmann’s go-to captain at Leipzig. Granted, players like Orban and Gulasci have also taken the captaincy role, but Sabitzer’s leadership qualities extend far beyond the armband. He is responsible for setting up the midfield, organizing the press and opening up passing channels. His tactical understanding of the game is at the very top, so he could function really well with players like Müller. He is also very hardworking on the pitch, and is one of Leipzig’s mentality monsters.

For those of you who want a preview of his abilities (in case you haven’t been following him), here’s a highlight reel:

In conclusion, Sabitzer has everything Bayern wants in a midfielder, and signing him would make this transfer window a successful one and could provide Nagelsmann with that one tool, that gamechanger who could be the difference between a treble and an underwhelming season.