How signing Marcel Sabitzer could affect Bayern Munich’s midfield plans moving forward

With Bayern Munich expected to announce the signing of Marcel Sabitzer in the coming hours, SPOX journalist Kerry Hau detailed how things might play out for the rest of the midfielders on the Bayern Munich squad, while also touching on the future pursuits of some players has been linked with over the course of this summer:

Per Hau, Michael Cuisance and Marc Roca have not “convinced” the Bavarians, while Corentin Tolisso’s expiring deal could make him a candidate for sale in the closing hours of the transfer window. Roca and Tolisso are being monitored very closely at this stage. With promising youngsters Torben Rhein and Taylor Booth on campus, the midfield depth plans could be in flux.

Hau also stated that the signing of Sabitzer could kill off the club’s hopes to sign Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Florian Neuhaus or Stade Rennais’ Eduardo Camavinga.

It is not just the plans in the central midfield, however, that are affected. Inking Sabitzer will play a role in how Bayern Munich looks at its future on the wings. Jamal Musiala looks like a stalwart for years to come, the inconsistent trio of Serge Gnabry, Kingsley Coman, and Leroy Sane could be in a bit of trouble.

• Coman’s contract ends in 2023 and the Frenchman (along with his negotiating party) made it clear that he wants to be paid top dollar (in the neighborhood of €20 million). The leverage of just how many winger options Bayern Munich will have now — and the player’s injury history — puts all of the weight in club’s corner to give Coman a deal it thinks is fair and not bloated.
• Gnabry’s contract also ends in 2023, but the Germany international is still considered a strong candidate for an extension. The ball, it seems, will be in Gnabry’s court as he is well-regarded at the club. What the move of Sabitzer does do, however, is make it a lot easier to leave Gnabry on the bench if he endures one of those long stretches of inconsistency he has become known for.
• Sane’s deal will expire in 2025 and the former Manchester City man has been put on notice by the club. Already paid top-dollar, Sane could potentially become a candidate for a sale if he cannot start to perform consistently. While it might seem doubtful, the bench — or a transfer — could happen should Sane’s performance malaise linger. Bayern Munich desperately wants Sane to work out, but now they do not necessarily need him to get it together, thanks to Musiala and Sabitzer.