In a stunning move, Borussia Dortmund has secured the services of Marcel Sabitzer from rivals Bayern Munich.
The Austrian international has put pen to paper on a four-year contract with the Bundesliga giants, adding significant firepower to Dortmund’s midfield options.
Sabitzer, 29, spent the second half of the 2022-23 season on loan at Manchester United, where he made quite an impact. During his tenure, he appeared in 18 matches, netting three goals and providing one assist, which caught the attention of clubs across Europe.
Man United had shown interest in securing Sabitzer on a permanent deal, with Bayern Munich considering selling the midfielder during the summer transfer window. However, Dortmund has now trumped their rivals by announcing the signing of the talented Austrian.
Expressing his joy at joining the Black and Yellows, Sabitzer remarked, “I can hardly wait to finally join the team and wear the BVB jersey. The talks with the Borussia Dortmund management were outstanding and have shown me how ambitious the club wants to be in the coming years. I would like to play my part in ensuring that BVB achieves their objectives and have every reason to celebrate something special with their fans again as soon as possible.”
Dortmund’s sporting director, Sebastian Kehl, praised the acquisition, stating, “Marcel is an experienced player who has been playing at the top international level for years. He fits the profile that we were looking for exactly: a central midfielder who will strengthen us both defensively and offensively as a box-to-box player. Marcel is physically strong and also carries an immense goal threat. We’re convinced that he will also become an important pillar of our team thanks to his personality and will help us to be even more effective, especially in hard-fought matches.”
Marcel Sabitzer’s new teammate, Julian Brandt, expressed his delight at the transfer, acknowledging Sabitzer’s achievements over the years. “What he has accomplished speaks for itself. I welcome him with open arms because I believe he adds value to our team,” Brandt shared with Sport1.
Sabitzer began his journey at RB Leipzig after joining from Rapid Vienna in 2014. During his time at Leipzig, he made 229 appearances, contributing 52 goals and 42 assists before making the switch to Bayern Munich.
However, his stint at Allianz Arena did not yield the desired results, with only two goals and two assists to his name in 54 appearances.
As Dortmund continues to prepare for the upcoming 2023-24 campaign, they face San Diego Loyal in a friendly match on Thursday evening before squaring off against Manchester United on Sunday night, where Sabitzer will face his former loan club.