Manchester United and Chelsea have both sought the signature of Bayern Munich midfielder Marcel Sabitzer, according to Sky Germany.
United’s need for a midfielder has intensified after Christian Eriksen was ruled out through injury until at least April. Chelsea have been working on a move for Benfica’s Enzo Fernandez, but that deal has yet to be fully agreed.
Bayern are ready to let Sabitzer leave on loan or permanently and their sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic has been on the phone with both Premier League clubs.
Sabitzer joined Bayern Munich from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2021
United are waiting for Bayern to decide whether to do business – though Manchester Evening News are reporting that United are ‘confident’ they can complete a deal before the deadline.
United’s preference is a loan and that could work for Bayern as Sabitzer still has two-and-a-half years left on his contract.
The fact that United and Bayern are in different European competitions and not direct rivals could be a key factor in any potential deal.
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Sabitzer is attracting interest from Manchester United and Chelsea – take a look at his only goal for Bayern Munich this season
Austria international Sabitzer joined Bayern from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2021 but has started just seven Bundesliga games so far this season.
Primarily a central midfielder, the 28-year-old has also played as a defensive midfielder, attacking midfielder, second striker and winger during his career.
Merse: Sabitzer is not included in the Bayern team – it’s panic!
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Paul Merson is not convinced that Sabitzer is the right player for Manchester United and Chelsea
Sky Sports’ Paul Merson speaking on Deadline Day:
“Marcel Sabitzer doesn’t get into the Bayern Munich team. I know they have two strong midfield players, but if he was that good, he would push on. He panicked again. There was no interest in him. January 1.
“Chelsea are trying to offload Enzo Fernandez and Christian Eriksen is now injured at Man United. It’s panic. You are buying second-hand Bayern Munich players.
“This guy wasn’t on the radar before. He doesn’t fit into the Bayern team – nowhere near their first team. You have to ask ‘is he going to make us better?’ I am not sure.”
Germany view: Sabitzer has potential, but can he replace Eriksen?
Sky Germany’s Uli Kohler at Bayern Munich’s training ground:
“Following Eriksen, he has big steps, but he can do his best. Of course, you can’t replace Eriksen one-on-one.
“He is a player with potential. He is very important for the Austrian team. He was the most important player when he played for Leipzig, who were also in the Champions League several times and Sabitzer was one of the key players.
“For sure, he can help. But to replace Eriksen, that remains to be seen.”
Ten Hag: We will miss Eriksen’s quality
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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag discusses who could replace Christian Eriksen in midfield after the Denmark international was ruled out until at least April through injury.
Eriksen left Old Trafford on crutches after being forced off in Saturday’s FA Cup win over Reading and now looks set to miss a significant chunk of United’s games.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of United’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg with Nottingham Forest, Erik ten Hag explained that he has options to cover Eriksen’s absence – but admitted that it would be difficult to replace the Dane’s quality in areas offensive.
“He’s disappointed and we’re disappointed, but that happens in football. You have to deal with it,” the United manager said.
“We have players in midfield, good players, who can fill the gap. Each player has his own characteristics and identity. Eriksen brings high quality to our team and some characteristics are difficult to replace, for example quality his in the final third.”
Chelsea close to PL record £105m Fernandez deal
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Dharmesh Sheth and Kaveh Solhekol explain the latest on Chelsea’s pursuit of Enzo Fernandez as the London club look set to break the British transfer fee record.
Chelsea are closing in on a deal for Benfica’s Enzo Fernandez after making a bid of £105.6m – the same value as the midfielder’s release clause.
Todd Boehly’s Blues want to structure the release clause fee in installments, as the lump sum payment has Financial Fair Play and tax implications.
Chelsea have been in talks to sign the Argentine World Cup winner all this month, but Benfica have refused to do business unless the Blues pay his €120m (£105.6m) release clause.
The midfielder has once again told Benfica that he wants to join Chelsea. If Fernandez is to move to Stamford Bridge, he will surpass the £100m Manchester City paid for Jack Grealish from Aston Villa 18 months ago, making him the most expensive Premier League signing ever.
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