Marcel Sabitzer joins Bayern Munich from RB Leipzig
Reigning Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich have bolstered their title defence by completing the signing of Marcel Sabitzer from last year's closest challengers RB Leipzig.
Sabitzer signs a four-year contract until 2025 and will wear the No.18 shirt at the Allianz Arena, where he will be reunited with former Leipzig coach Julian Nagelsmann and old teammate Dayot Upamecano in Bavaria.
The 27-year-old was named Leipzig captain by Nagelsmann last season and led the side to runners-up medals in both the Bundesliga and DFB Cup last time out.
“Marcel is a very good player, has a great mentality, is very ambitious and has taken on responsibility both on and off the pitch as captain at RB,” said sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic. “Our coach knows him very well, also as a leader. We’re looking forward to him.”
After joining Leipzig in Bundesliga 2 six years ago, Sabitzer departs the club as the second-highest appearance maker in their history and their fifth-highest goalscorer of all time.
Now, however, Sabitzer will carve out his future at Bayern as they go in search of a record 10th successive league title.
“I’m very happy to be able to play for Bayern. As a kid, my Bayern shirt was my pride and joy, getting a new one every year for Christmas,” Sabitzer said on signing for the record champions. “I’ll give everything for this club, want to win as many games as possible and, of course, titles.”
Watch: How do Sabitzer and Kimmich compare?
Sabitzer, who enjoyed an impressive UEFA Euro 2020 with Austria this summer, becomes Bayern's fourth new arrival under Nagelsmann, following the signings of Upamecano, Omar Richards and Sven Ulreich.
The midfielder - likened to England icon David Beckham for his dead-ball ability - will now compete with the likes of Leon Goretzka, Joshua Kimmich, and Corentin Tolisso for a place in central midfield. But he could also be utilised in a wider position, which was where he started out before his move infield under Nagelsmann.
Sabitzer could make his debut on Matchday 4 when new employers Bayern travel to the Red Bull Arena to take on his former side Leipzig.
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