Christian Eriksen’s untimely injury, which is expected to keep him out of the majority of Manchester United’s remaining games this season, sparked a late hunt for a replacement in the January transfer window.
Just hours after the extend of Eriken’s injury had been made public, it was reported that United were in talks with Bayern Munich over midfielder Marcel Sabitzer.
United won the race against time to sign him on time on deadline day and since then, the Austria international has been thrown into the deep end following injuries and suspensions in midfield.
Sabitzer started both of United’s games against Leeds United last week and he is expected to be in the line-up again this weekend when the Reds welcome Leicester to Old Trafford.
It’s still early days but so far, the former RB Leipzig star has impressed the Old Trafford faithful and talks of a permanent transfer this summer are already gaining momentum.
Sabitzer joined the club on a six-month loan and there is no option or obligation to buy included, meaning that Bayern Munich can still dictate the terms of any transfer.
According to German outlet Bild, the Bavarian giants have now named their asking price as they start to look ahead to the summer, with €20m viewed as a realistic fee to part ways with the 28-year-old.
SN’s verdict…
Sabitzer was one of Europe’s most coveted midfielders when he left RB Leipzig on a free transfer in 2021 but it hasn’t quite worked out for him at Bayern.
And last summer’s arrival of Ryan Gravenberch, coupled with the unbreakable bond in midfield in Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka, breaking into the side in Munich seems unrealistic.
If Sabitzer continues to impress, it would make sense for United to sign him permanently and €20m is a good fee.
