Manchester United can sign Marcel Sabitzer on a permanent deal from Bayern Munich for £18m this summer, according to reports.
The Austrian midfielder was brought in as cover for the currently injured Christian Eriksen and has put in some good performances so far.
Sabitzer looks set to play an important role for the remainder of the season and if he continues to impress, United may look to prolong his stay at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils have been in superb form this season, currently sitting in third place in the Premier League table, just five points away from league leaders Manchester City.
Arguably, Ten Hag’s team are still in the title race, thanks to key players being in a rich vein of form at the moment.
Since signing for United in July 2022, Eriksen has played a key part in their revival under the Dutch manager. This season, the Danish midfielder has made seven assists in the league, along with scoring one goal.
However, the Manchester club were forced into action when Eriksen was ruled out for at least two months after picking up an injury in an FA Cup clash against reading.
Sabitzer was brought in on deadline day, on loan from Bayern Munich, and has made three appearances in the Premier League so far.
Now, according to Bild journalist Christian Falk, United could buy the Austria international permanently at the end of the season, for approximately £18m, which is relatively cheap for an experienced midfielder like him.
Sabitzer ‘open’ to permanent United move
As reported by TEAMtalk on Monday, Sabitzer is keeping an ‘open mind’ about signing for United permanently, which suggests that there is a real possibility of a deal happening.
Speaking in a recent interview, he said: “It’s a loan at the moment, that’s all I can say.
“I like it here. I’m feeling very good here. I like the team, I like the club, and the atmosphere in Old Trafford. We will see what happens in the summer.”
Bayern’s manager Julian Nagelsmann does not seem to be a big fan of the 28-year-old so that only increases the likelihood of a switch.
Sabitzer has made appearances against Leeds (twice) and Crystal Palace so far, filling in effectively for Eriksen and the suspended Casemiro.
The Brazilian is expected to go straight back into Ten Hag’s starting XI when he returns, but Sabitzer should still get plenty of chances to impress.
He is versatile, in that he can play in a defensive, central or box-to-box role, so he can cover multiple areas for the Red Devils.
However, there is some concern among United supporters that talk of a permanent contract is premature, given he has only just arrived in England.
Ultimately, whether or not United sign him this summer will come down to how he performs for the rest of the campaign.
