Borussia Dortmund have confirmed the signing of midfielder Marcel Sabitzer from rivals Bayern Munich.
The 29-year-old, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Manchester United, has signed a four-year deal until 2027.
Sabitzer will now join up with Dortmund’s squad in the United States as part of their pre-season tour.
Follow the summer transfer window with The Athletic…
He said: “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 achieve their objectives and have every reason to celebrate something special with their fans again as soon as possible.”
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Dortmund’s sporting director Sebastian Kehl added: “Marcel is an experienced player who has been playing at the top international level for years.
“We are convinced that his personality will also become an important pillar of the team and that he will help us to become even more effective in hard-fought games.”
Sabitzer initially joined Bayern in the summer of 2021 from RB Leipzig but struggled for minutes in Bavaria. The Austria international eventually signed for Erik ten Hag’s United on a temporary basis until the end of the 2022-23 campaign during the January transfer window this year.
He made 18 appearances for United and scored three goals, helping them lift the Carabao Cup, finish third in the Premier League and reach an FA Cup final.
‘Sabitzer’s window of opportunity at Man United’
Carl Anka wrote in May about Sabitzer’s loan at Manchester United. He focussed on the two legs against Sevilla in the Europa League (a tie United lost) to discuss what Sabitzer could offer. You can read the full analysis here, but here is a snippet…
“Signed towards the end of the January transfer window on loan from Bayern Munich, Sabitzer’s time at United afforded few opportunities for him to display his talents.
“Initially envisioned as cover for the injured Christian Eriksen, he did not go on to forge the midfield partnership with Casemiro that many expected.
“Try as Sabitzer might, he did not offer the sort of control that Ten Hag needs from his team.
“Despite a promising first half (against Sevilla), United would draw 2-2 at Old Trafford. For all the good that Sabitzer did with his two goals, he had little impact on United’s general midfield play when Sevilla rallied late in the game.
“Sabitzer missed his window of opportunity at United. He was eager to stake his claim but those around him already had the task in hand.”
(Photo: Hendrik Deckers/Borussia Dortmund via Getty Images)
