From San Diego
Marcel Sabitzer will have big shoes to fill at Borussia Dortmund. The Austrian signed from Bayern Munich will be one of the players asked to fill the void left by Jude Bellingham. Freshly arrived at Dortmund’s training camp in San Diego, California, Transfermarkt was part of a small group of journalists who spoke to the 28-year-old Austrian following his first training session. Sabitzer spoke about his transfer from Bayern to Dortmund, how Edin Terzic convinced him to join, his role at the club, and how he could replace Bellingham.
“Everyone gave me a good feeling,” Sabitzer said after completing his first training session with the club during the training camp in San Diego. “Everyone was very open and friendly.” Dortmund will face USL Championship side San Diego Loyal on Thursday before heading to Las Vegas (Jul. 30), where they will play Manchester United and then Chelsea in Chicago (Aug.2).
Sabitzer, of course, knows Man United well. The Austrian was loaned out by Bayern to the English giants during the second half of last season. “It was a lot of fun,” Sabitzer said about his time in England. “I had a smile on my face every day and got to play. It is also a gigantic club with a big history, and having played well for them helped me to regain my rhythm.” Sabitzer played regularly under manager Erik ten Hag, scoring three goals and one assist in 18 games across all competitions.
Dortmund rather than England: Terzic a big factor in convincing Sabitzer to join
For some time, in fact, it appeared Sabitzer would stay in England, perhaps even at Man United. But ultimately, the Red Devils opted not to meet Bayern’s €20m price tag for the 71-times Austrian national team player (14 goals). Dortmund had no such issues, and Terzic appears to have gone the extra mile to convince Sabitzer to stay in the Bundesliga and join the Black and Yellows for an initial €18m instead. Sabitzer became the ninth player to join Dortmund from Bayern.
“It was a long process,” Sabitzer said. “I had a long telephone conversation with Terzic in which he showed me my strengths and weaknesses and what role I will play with the club. I was impressed that someone I didn’t know studied me and knew me inside out. It gave me pause and convinced me that this was the right decision.” Another factor was perhaps the possibility of tripping up Bayern next season. “But I was also impressed with Dortmund and the vision that they have about the future,” Sabitzer said.
Rice, Nkunku, Tonali & Co. – The most expensive summer transfers in 2023
Sabitzer then outlined a plan on how Dortmund could finally end Bayern’s dominance over the Bundesliga. “Last season, they had their problems, and you have to capitalize on it,” Sabitzer said. “You can’t ever rest; you will have to ensure to get results against smaller teams, even when you had a difficult Champions League game midweek.” Sabitzer then added that his experience could be a big part of helping get Dortmund across the line. “I have experienced quite a bit in my career,” Sabitzer said. “I know how to win titles and play successfully. I think the combination of a very talented team that also works together well in the collective.”
Sabitzer on Bellingham: “I want to do my part” to fill the void
Sabitzer also believes that working as a collective will be a big part of replacing Bellingham. Bellingham was the face of the club over the last few years but was transferred for €103m plus add-ons to Real Madrid this spring. “It isn’t just about me replacing Bellingham,” Sabitzer said. “There is no doubt he is leaving a void. He is an extraordinary player who has left a big footprint at the club. But I want to do my part to make him forget here. But I can’t do it alone; we must do it as a team.”
Player Comparison
Borussia Dortmund
Real Madrid
€20.00m
Market Value
€120.00m
Central Midfield
Position
Central Midfield
Jun 30, 2027
Contract until
Jun 30, 2029
Full Player Comparison
As for the best fit, Sabitzer sees himself as a player who can play several roles in midfield. “I see myself best as a no.8, as part of a double-6, or as a half-position in a 4-3-3,” Sabitzer said. “But I am also willing to do defensive work and do some of the dirty work. That is something that I have shown in the past; you need personalities that stand up for themselves, and that is a role I can be comfortable with.”
Homepage