Marcel Sabitzer to settle for a new number if he moves to Tottenham in January
According to Football.london, Marcel Sabitzer will need to settle for a new squad number if he moves to Tottenham Hotspur in the January transfer window.
The Austrian international has made a name for himself as one of the most exciting midfielders in Europe at RB Leipzig. With his contract expiring in 2022, Sabitzer has been linked with a move to North London.
It was confirmed by reputed German journalist Christian Falk, that both the club and the player are keen on joining forces sometime in the future. With Spurs well in the race for the Premier League title, Sabitzer’s addition in January would be more than welcome.
However, if the transfer does happen in the new year, he will have to settle for a different squad number than what he currently has for Leipzig and Austria.
Sabitzer has donned the No.7 jersey at Leipzig since joining the club five years ago. He originally donned the No.20 jersey for his national side but has since upgraded to No.9. Unfortunately for him, neither number is currently vacant at the club.
Son Heung-Min dons No.7 while Gareth Bale is the No.9. With both players considered key to the club’s ambitions, it remains to be seen if they will be asked to vacate their number. That is if a deal for Sabitzer materialises in January.
Among the two, the No.9 looks to be the more achievable of the lot. Bale is currently on loan from Real Madrid and his future at the club is yet to be sorted. If he does return to Spain in the summer, the number will be left vacant.
One Midfielder in, another out?
One number Sabitzer could take is the No.20 jersey. The number is currently worn by English international Dele Alli. The 24-year-old is struggling for game time and could be on his way out. Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino is closing in on the PSG job and could make Alli his first signing for the French giants. (h/t The Sun)
Such a move could see Sabitzer take Alli’s jersey number.
More Tottenham Hotspur News
- Fabrizio Romano provides an update on the future of Sergio Reguilon
- Mauricio Pochettino keen to sign Tottenham ace Dele Alli at PSG
- Tottenham’s interest in Marcel Sabitzer confirmed by Christian Falk
With less than two years left on his current deal, Leipzig is finding it difficult to raise Sabitzer’s current salary. This could potentially lead to the club cashing in on him.
The addition of Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg has added much physicality and presence to the Spurs midfield. However, we have an overdependence on Son and Harry Kane for goals. Bringing in Sabitzer will give us another runner from midfield who can develop into a goal threat.
Spurs are well aware of the midfielder’s abilities, having faced off against Leipzig in the Champions League last season. Sabitzer scored twice in the second leg as the Germans won the tie 4-0 on aggregate.
