“Manchester United” and “Chelsea” clubs have asked to buy “Bayern” midfielder Marcel Sabitzer. Heaven is Germany.
United’s need for a midfield player has increased after Christian Eriksen is out until at least April with an injury. Chelsea are working on a move for Benfica’s Enzo Fernandez, but a deal is yet to be fully agreed.
Bayern are open to keeping Sabitzer on loan or permanently and their sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic has spoken to the two Premier League clubs over the phone.
Sabitzer joined Bayern from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2021
United are waiting for Bayern to decide whether to do business Manchester Evening News “United” report that they are “confident” that they will be able to complete the contract before the deadline.
United’s preference is a loan and that could work at 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 are not direct rivals could be one of the main factors in a possible deal.
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Sabitzer is attracting interest from Manchester United and Chelsea – take a look at his only goal for Bayern this season
Austria international Sabitzer joined Bayern from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2021 but has only started 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 not in the Bayern squad – it’s panic!
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Paul Merson does not believe Sabitzer is the right player for Manchester United and Chelsea
Sky Sports’ Paul Merson spoke on the final day:
“Marcel Sabitzer can’t get into the Bayern Munich team. I know they have two cements in midfield, but if he’s that good, he’ll push. It’s panic again. There’s no interest in him. January 1.
“Chelsea are trying to get Enzo Fernandez over the line and Christian Eriksen is now injured at Man Utd. It’s panic. You’re buying second-tier Bayern players.
“This kid wasn’t on the radar before. He’s not in Bayern’s team – nowhere near their first team. You have to ask ‘does he make us better?’. I’m not sure.”
View from Germany: Sabitzer has potential, but can he replace Eriksen?
Sky Germany’s Uli Kohler at Bayern Munich’s training ground:
“There are big steps behind Eriksen, but he can do everything he can. Of course, you can’t replace Eriksen at once.
“He is a player with potential. He is very important for the Austrian national team. He was the most important player when he played for Leipzig, they were also in the Champions League several times and Sabitzer was one of the main players.
“Of course he can help. But to replace Eriksen, it remains to be seen.”
Ten Haag: We will miss Eriksen’s quality
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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has discussed who will replace Christian Eriksen in midfield after the Dane is out until at least April through injury.
Eriksen left Old Trafford on crutches after Saturday’s FA Cup win over Reading and now looks set to miss United’s next game.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of United’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Nottingham Forest, Erik ten Hag explained he has options to cover for Eriksen’s absence, but admitted the Dane’s quality in attacking areas will be difficult to replace.
“He’s disappointed, we’re disappointed, but that happens in top football. You have to deal with it,” said the United boss.
“We have midfield players, good players, who can fill the gap. Each player has his own characteristics and personality. Eriksen brings the highest quality to our team and some characteristics are difficult to replace, such as his quality in the final third.”
Chelsea are closing in on a PL-record £105m deal for Fernandes
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Dharmesh Sheth and Kaveh Solhekol explain Chelsea’s pursuit of Enzo Fernandes as the London club look set to break the British transfer record.
Chelsea are close to agreeing a deal for Benfica’s Enzo Fernandez after offering £105.6m – the same as the midfielder’s release clause.
Todd Boehly’s Blues want to make this release clause payment in installments because the one-time payment 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 a €120m (£105.6m) release clause.
The midfielder has once again told Benfica that he wants to join Chelsea. If Fernandes were to move to Stamford Bridge, he would become the most expensive signing in Premier League history, surpassing the £100m Manchester City paid for Jack Grealish from Aston Villa 18 months ago.
Follow the January transfer window with Sky Sports
Who will be on the move this winter? The transfer window closes in January 11pm in England and midnight in Scotland on Tuesday January 31, 2023.
Keep up to date with the latest transfer news and rumors on our dedicated channel Transfer center block on Sky Sports’ digital platforms. You will also find instructions, information and analysis Sky Sports News.
