The sacking of Julian Nagelsmann, and the subsequent appointment of Thomas Tuchel, went down like a lead balloon among some Manchester United supporters hoping to see Marcel Sabitzer’s loan deal transformed into a permanent transfer.
When a new manager arrives, clean slates are frequently handed out to previously out-of-favour players. Sabitzer found starts hard to come by under Nagelsmann; a lack of game time paving the way for that deadline-day arrival at Old Trafford.
But would Tuchel hand Sabitzer a fresh start and a more central role in his Bayern Munich plans? The Austrian going from a member of the supporting cast to one of ‘FC Hollywood’s’ leading men?
There will almost certainly be an Austria international operating at the heart of Bayern’s midfield in 2023/24. But fear not… the identify of that midfielder in question is far more likely to be Konrad Laimer than Marcel Sabitzer.
Manchester United hope to keep Bayern Munich loanee Marcel Sabitzer
“No changes on the Konrad Laimer deal. He will become an FC Bayern player on a free transfer in July,” Fabrizio Romano tweeted on Tuesday.
Nagelsmann’s sudden sacking, Romano says, will not change the fact that Laimer is bound for the Allianz Arena. His Borussia Monchengladbach deal expires in July.
“His pre-contract is already signed,” Romano adds, pointing out that Laimer agreed his impending switch to the reigning Bundesliga champions as far back as January.
“Thomas Tuchel is not changing the plans as all parties just wait for FC Bayern’s announcement.”
With Laimer joining Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Jamal Musiala and Ryan Gravenberch too, Sabitzer would arguably find himself even further down the Allianz Arena pecking order if he was to return to his parent club.
Music to the ears of United supporters who have taken the former RB Leipzig captain to their heart; Sabitzer’s all-action intensity and tough-tackling ways laying the foundations for a genuine cult hero. Sabitzer opened his Man United account with a gorgeous flick during the FA Cup turnaround over Fulham too before the international break.
“Marcel Sabitzer is very happy,” Romano adds of a man reportedly available for just £17 million.
“The player would be happy to stay with Ten Hag.”
“Whatever happens in the summer, we will see,” Sabitzer himself tells the Daily Mail. I had to make a quick decision in January. I take every game as it comes. I’m very happy to be here. I will give 100 per cent.
“I’m very happy to be part of this team, this amazing club, and I feel very welcomed. I am very happy at the moment.”