The best scouting tips for this transfer most likely came straight from the Bayern dugout. New signing Marcel Sabitzer spent the last two years playing under new FCB coach Julian Nagelsmann at RB Leipzig – now he’s followed his boss to Munich. Nagelsmann therefore knows the qualities of his former and new protégé better than anyone. Now it’s time for you to find out, thanks to fcbayern.com:
Sabitzer wears the number 9 jersey for Austria. For Bayern he’ll now have the number 18 on his back.
Played in different positions
Bayern have got themselves a true all-rounder. Sabitzer joined Leipzig in summer 2015 having scored 19 goals in the Austrian Bundesliga. Initially he continued in a largely attacking role, playing mostly as a second striker for the Saxony side but also being used out wide or even as a centre-forward. In recent years, however, the multitalented man has shifted back one row and directed play from the centre of midfield. The role as the instigator and leader suits him, as highlighted not least by the fact that Sabitzer has worn the captain’s armband at Leipzig in the last two seasons.
Sabitzer captained Leipzig against Bayern when the sides last met in April, which ended in a 1-0 win for the Munich men.
Feared long-range shots with fine feet
German football fans are well aware of the Austrian’s goal threat after 52 goals in 229 appearances in all competitions for RB. The right-footer possesses a powerful shot and can score from all positions. As well as being a feared free-kick taker, he has fired in 16 long-range goals since his move to Leipzig alone – only new teammate Robert Lewandowski (17) has scored more than that in the Bundesliga during the same period.
One of the best of those was certainly his rocket from 30 metres at Hertha BSC in late February. And it probably won’t be the last of its kind, since the 2017 Austrian Footballer of the Year has rattled off 292 attempts on goal from outside the area in competitive matches over the last five years. That’s the most of any player in Germany’s top flight. He can also do more delicate goals, though, as he proved in the home win over Zenit in the Champions League, for example. In fact, his volley with the outside of his boot in October 2019 was voted the Champions League Goal of the Week. With 36 assists during his time in Leipzig, Sabitzer has proven that he still has an eye for a teammate too.
Watch the goal against Zenit again below:
Eager for trophies
In 2015, Sabitzer won the Austrian double with Red Bull Salzburg – but there have been no additions to his trophy cabinet since. The 54-time capped Austrian international’s greatest success with his country was their run to the last 16 of this summer’s EURO, where Sabitzer played every minute. At club level, he’s twice been a Bundesliga runner-up behind his new employers (2017 and 2021), as well as losing two cup finals against Bayern in 2019 and Dortmund in 2021. The midfielder has therefore come close to getting his hands on a trophy, and now he wants to finally go all the way with Bayern. “I’ll give everything for this club, I want to win as many matches as possible and of course collect lots of titles,” said Bayern’s new number 18 following his signing.
Get your Sabitzer shirt now
Here’s the full story on Sabitzer’s signing for FC Bayern:
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