When the season enters its final stretch, the transition rumor mill boils nicely.
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RB Leipzig looks good for another hectic summer, with their latest harvest of talents looking at the football world. With Dayot Upamecano already on his way to Bayern Munich and Liverpool close to signing Ibrahima Konate, the latest is that Marcel Sabitzer also wants new pastures.
Sabitzer has quietly flourished into one of the most well-rounded midfielders in Germany and perhaps Europe in Leipzig, but BILD claims that interest is being built in the Premier League with the captain ready to move on from the club.
The 27-year-old is entering his best years and although the pandemic is likely to limit big business from happening, it does not feel so far from the possibilities. 90min has ranked who could benefit from Sabitzer most of the stakeholders.
Every Man Utd move for Sabitzer certainly depends on Pogba’s situation | Jonathan Moscrop / Getty Images
The Red Devils are keen to strengthen their options further down the pitch as well as in attack, with a center-back and a defensive midfielder on the roster.
But while Sabitzer has played a somewhat defensive role for Julian Nagelsmann’s side this season, the system is completely different from Ole Gunnar Solskjærs at United. They often put up with two holding midfielders, and starting with Paul Pogba and Sabitzer in those places is simply too “FIFA career mode” to ever work.
Sabitzer is a creative force at its best, and although he could play wide, he is not a direct fix to any of United’s weakest areas. Money must be spent on experts, not square sticks in round holes.
A move would really only make sense if Pogba were to leave.
Probability: 4/10
Odegaard joined Arsenal on loan in January | Sebastian Frej / MB Media / Getty Images
The Gunners have not been named to a party interested in Sabitzer this time around, but their noses should definitely sniff out rumors that he wants a new challenge.
Martin Odegaard has had a serious impact on the Emirates, but it can be messy and expensive to chase a permanent deal. Another loan is an option, but Real Madrid will probably not sell, which means that other options must be considered.
Sabitzer presents a more negotiable alternative and one with more immediate qualities in addition to his creativity; his leadership and pressure is exactly what the side needs.
However, they have jobs to do. And that depends on making sure they finish strong in the Premier League.
Probability: 5/10
A replacement for Wijnaldum feels increasingly necessary Shaun Botterill / Getty Images
As Georginio Wijnaldum’s future at Liverpool looks increasingly doubtful with each passing week, the Reds who have replacements in mind are not an unrealistic option at all, especially given that Sabitzer only has one year left on his deal.
Factor in that their side could seriously do with some new, key figures to establish themselves and rebuild for another title fee and that Liverpool already have a decent relationship with RB Leipzig regarding transfers, it makes sense.
The Austrian also plays in a similar, high-pressure system and would take less time to settle in Liverpool’s three – man midfield. But with the Reds already spending to fix their defense, the budget can be spent elsewhere.
Probability: 6/10
Sabitzer feels perfect for Mourinho’s Tottenham | Pixsell / MB Media / Getty Images
Beating United and Liverpool for Sabitzer’s signature would be a huge coup for Tottenham.
The Lilywhites need an extra pair of legs in their preferred three-man midfield, and Sabitzer’s effective stats and relentless running would do just the trick to upgrade on someone like Harry Winks.
At 27, he comes in at the peak of his strength – perfect for a Jose Mourinho team – and provides the extra quality of the ball to provide more traction from the depths for Spurs. If they can pull this off, it gives Mourinho’s side a huge boost and suddenly their midfield gives a pretty decent depth.
Probability: 8/10
