Manchester United and Chelsea have inquired about signing Bayern Munich midfielder Marcel Sabitzer Heaven Germany.
The need for a midfielder at United has intensified after Christian Eriksen was ruled out with injury until at least April. Chelsea have been working on a move for Benfica’s Enzo Fernandez, but the deal has not yet been fully agreed.
Bayern are ready to let Sabitzer leave on loan or permanently and their sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic has been on the phone to both Premier League clubs.
Sabitzer joined Bayern Munich from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2021
United are waiting for Bayern to decide if they want to do business – although the Manchester Evening News United are reportedly ‘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 possible deal.
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Sabitzer is attracting interest from Manchester United and Chelsea – 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 games in the Bundesliga 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 does not enter the Bayern team – there is 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 spoke on deadline day:
“Marcel Sabitzer is not coming into the Bayern Munich team. I know they have two cemented in midfield but if he was that good he would push. Again it goes back to panic. There is no interest in him on January 1.
“Chelsea are trying to get Enzo Fernandez over the line and Christian Eriksen is now injured at Man United. There is panic. You are buying second-rate Bayern Munich players.
“The lad wasn’t on the radar before. He’s not getting into the Bayern team – nowhere near their first team. You have to ask ‘Will he make us better?’ I’m not sure.”
Germany opinion: Sabitzer has potential, but can he replace Eriksen?
Sky Germany Uli Kohler at Bayern Munich’s training ground:
“After Eriksen, he has big steps, but he can try his best. For sure, you cannot replace Eriksen one to one.
“He is a player with potential. He is very important for the Austrian team. He was the most important player when he played in Leipzig, which was 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 of action until at least April due to injury
Eriksen left Old Trafford on crutches after being forced off in the FA Cup win over Reading on Saturday and now looks set to miss a significant amount of United’s run-in.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of United’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg with Nottingham Forest, Erik ten Hag said he had options to cover Eriksen’s absence – but admitted it would be difficult to replace the Danish quality in attacking areas.
“He is disappointed and we are disappointed, but it happens in top football. You have to deal with it,” said the American boss.
“We have players in midfield, good players, who can fill the gap. Each player has their own characteristics and identity. Eriksen brings top quality to our team and some characteristics are difficult to replace, for example his quality 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 prepare to break the British transfer fee record
Chelsea are close to agreeing a deal for Benfica’s Enzo Fernandez following a bid of £105.6m – the same value as the midfielder’s release.
Todd Boehly’s Blues want to structure the release clause fee in installments, as paying in one go has financial fair play and tax implications.
Chelsea have been in talks to sign the Argentina World Cup winner this month but Benfica have refused to do business unless the Blues pay the €120m (£105.6m) release clause.
The midfielder has once again told Benfica that he wants to join Chelsea. If Fernandez moves to Stamford Bridge, he would surpass the £100m Manchester City paid for Jack Grealish from Aston Villa 18 months ago, making him the most expensive Premier League signing ever.
Follow the January transfer window with Sky Sports
Who will be on the move this winter? The January transfer window closes at 11pm in England and midnight in Scotland On Tuesday, January 31, 2023.
Keep up to date with all the latest transfer news and rumors in our dedicated Transport Center Blog On ski sport Digital platforms. You can also get the ins, outs and analysis Sky Sports News.
