Tottenham on pole to land Austrian star as £30m sale is green-lighted

Tottenham are reported to be in the driving seat to sign talented midfield star Marcel Sabitzer from RB Leipzig this summer.

The Austrian has been a standout performer for Leipzig in recent seasons, having signed from Rapid Vienna in 2014.

But with Sabitzer’s contract due to expire in 2022, his departure this summer looks increasingly likely. Indeed, sporting director Markus Krosche said recently that talks over an extension are on hold.

That has alerted both Tottenham and Arsenal to the possibility of signing Sabitzer, who Krosche knows will be a man in demand.

“He has made a great development,” Krosche said. “It goes without saying that other clubs also notice this.

“I don’t like singling out anyone individually. But Marcel Sabitzer has really developed well.

“I also deal with him outside of the field. He accepts the role of captain extremely well and has matured even further as an individual.”

Now, according to Sport BILD, Spurs appear to be at the front of the queue to sign the 26-year-old.

He has a big admirer in Spurs boss Jose Mourinho and the German paper reckons a summer deal looks possible.

As per the source, Leipzig have ‘already repositioned’ themselves for Sabitzer’s exit by bringing in his replacement.

Indeed, Sabitzer’s replacement arrived in the January window in the shape of Dominik Szoboszlai. He arrived from sister club RB Salzburg, with Leipzig beating Arsenal to his signature.

West Ham v Tottenham Match Preview, February 21, 2021

West Ham v Tottenham Match Preview, February 21, 2021

A look ahead to the Premier League game between West Ham and Tottenham, including stats on form, possession, shots, cards, corners, top scorers and previous meetings.

While the paper makes no mention of concrete talks taking place, let alone an offer from Spurs, they state a move to Mourinho’s side looks the most likely outcome for the player.

Sabitzer has impressed again this season with six goals and two assists. His versatility is also said to appeal to Mourinho witb Sabitzer able to play across the midfield.

Reports earlier this year claimed that Leipzig would be prepared to sell Sabitzer were an interested party to offer £30m for his services.


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Sabitzer reacts to Spurs rumours

Sabitzer has spoken previously about a possible move to Spurs.

Those comments came back in April 2020 when stories emerged that he was a top target for Mourinho.

He said: “Oh, I’m basically open to everything. I have nothing to rule out. We will see.

Emil Forsberg, Marcel Sabitzer, Yussuf Poulsen RB Leipzig

“I have been able to play in England a few times, including with the national team. The atmosphere in the stadium thrilled me. How the spectators read the game and celebrate the individual scenes, the fans really know about football.

“There was sometimes a tackle celebrated, sometimes a diagonal ball. I like to watch the Premier League and imagine that playing there is fun.”

Sabitzer’s arrival at Tottenham would likely fuel rumours that Dele Alli could be allowed to move on. He has been strongly linked with a move to PSG, now managed by Mauricio Pochettino.

READ MORE: Pochettino comments could sound Tottenham death knell for Dele Alli