Bayern Munich rope in Austria international and versatile midfielder Marcel Sabitzer

Bayern Munich have had a very silent transfer window as they did most of their business early on. However, they announced the signing of Austrian midfielder Marcel Sabitzer after a long wait. The versatile midfielder joins the German giants from their Bundesliga rivals, RB Leipzig.

He has signed a four-year contract with the Bavarians after he joined the club for a  €16 million transfer fee. He will be donning the no. 18 shirt at the Allianz Arena.

Sabitzer has earlier revealed that he was a childhood Bayern fan and was delighted to finally make a move to join the Bundesliga record champions. After putting pen to paper, the Austria international told the club’s official website, “I’m very happy to be able to play for FC Bayern. Even as a child, my Bayern jersey was my great pride, and every year at Christmas I got a new one. I will give everything for this club, want to win as many games as possible and of course win many titles.”

Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn said: “Sabitzer brings everything to the table a player needs to play for FC Bayern. He will also not need a long acclimatization period because he is already very familiar with the philosophy of our coach Nagelsmann.”

Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann loved the company of Sabitzer during his stay at Leipzig and wanted the Austrian at Bayern. He offers the German great versatility in midfield with his ability to feature in the middle of the park and also on the flank out wide. Bayern were looking to sign players in both positions and now they have covered up for both with a single signing.

Sabitzer also brings in a lot of composure and leadership in the Bayern roster. He has featured in a total of 229 competitive games for Die Roten Bullen. He started his career at Admira Villach youth club in Austria and gradually rose through the ranks. He won the Austrian second division with Admira Wacker Modling and then was snapped up by Rapid Vienna. RB Leipzig were quick to realise his potential as they signed him and immediately loaned him out to sister club RB Salzburg. Sabitzer showed glimpses of his brilliance for Salzburg as he won the Austrian Bundesliga and the Cup in the 2014-15 season. After that season he was called back to Leipzig and since then he has been an integral part of this team.

Apart from captaining Leipzig and being a club legend, Sabitzer is also a very crucial player for the Austria national team. He has represented ‘Das Team’ since age-group football back in U16s and U17s level. He now has 58 appearances for Austria and is one of the pivotal players alongside David Alaba and company.