Roland Cutinho
Barcelona eye Marcel Sabitzer deal as Manchester United plot permanent move
According to Spanish outlet Sport, Barcelona have been presented with the opportunity to sign former Manchester United loanee midfielder Marcel Sabitzer this summer.
As per the report, Bayern Munich are ready to listen to offers for the midfielder, even if his contract is set to expire in 2025.
The 29-year-old Austrian international had a loan spell at Man United in the second half of last season, where he scored three goals and provided one assist in 18 appearances across various competitions.
Unfortunately, his season was abruptly cut short due to a meniscus injury, with his last game being the 1-0 defeat to West Ham United in May.
Sabitzer is expected to rejoin the Bundesliga Champions for pre-season training, but there are ongoing rumours about his future at the club. The former RB Leipzig star has struggled to find regular minutes at the Allianz Arena, and the club would be willing to give him opportunities elsewhere.
The Red Devils are also interested in signing him permanently, according to earlier reports, and coach Erik ten Hag was impressed with his performance on loan. Speculation is fueled by the fact that the player made a positive impact at Old Trafford last season.
However, Barcelona have now entered the race as a possible contender for Sabitzer’s signature in the current transfer window.
The Blaugrana have recently signed Ilkay Gundogan from Manchester City but are still in search of another midfielder. Bayern would be open to accepting a deal, even if the Austrian has two years remaining on his contract with the German club.
Barcelona are also in need of midfield reinforcements following the departure of long-serving midfielder Sergio Busquets, and there is also speculation surrounding the future of Franck Kessie.
Even if the Red Devils have an intention to sign the midfielder permanently, there have been no indications by the manager or the club regarding the same.
Fred and Scott McTominay’s futures are also under speculation, and if either of them departs, it could prompt United to sign two new midfielders to strengthen their squad.
The Red Devils are actively seeking a central midfielder in the current transfer market, and it has been no secret that Chelsea’s Mason Mount is their primary target for that position.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano just revealed that United have struck a deal with the Blues to sign Mount on a deal that could rise to £60 million, and this could kickstart United’s hunt for new signings under Ten Hag.
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If the club is successful in signing a new defensive midfielder, then it’s highly unlikely for them to make a move for Sabitzer this summer. In our opinion, United can pursue a young player in that position who could be a vital understudy to Casemiro next season.
