Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger recently hinted that his future may not lie at the Allianz-Arena this summer, with Manchester United being linked with his signature ahead of the new season. The German international has ties with the Premier League club through manager Louis van Gaal, who was formerly in charge of the perennial Bundesliga champions.
Schweinsteiger won two league titles under Van Gaal, and is considering a summer switch to Old Trafford which would see the two renew acquaintances. He is planning talks with chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, and has said he will make his official decision soon. With only one year left on his current contract with his boyhood club, Bayern will be anxious to hash out Schweinsteiger’s future, rather than risk losing him for nothing the following summer.
“I’ve agreed with (chairman) Karl-Heinz Rummenigge that we’ll have a chat this summer to see how the future looks. I’ve still got a year on my contract so there’s no rush, and the summer’s only just beginning,” he said.
The 30-year-old has enjoyed yet another successful season with Bayern Munich, winning the Bundesliga title by some distance. The end of the campaign wasn’t as pretty for the German giants, as their form went to pieces in the latter month, perhaps due to complacency of sealing the league crown so early, and their failure in the Champions League once more could well be the nail in the coffin.
Schweinsteiger perhaps feels Bayern Munich are at the precipice, with the likes of Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery, Philipp Lahm, Xabi Alonso all in the eves of their careers, which could see an internal struggle during their inevitable transition period. The experience central midfielder is seriously considering a move away from a club he has spent his whole senior career at, and Manchester United would greatly benefit.
Missing the start of the season through injury, the German international made 20 league appearances last campaign, scoring and creating nine goals. He’s an expert at ball retention, completing 88% of his passes, while an all-round influence both offensively and defensively – evident from his 31 chances created, while averaging a tackle or interception every 22 minutes.
It’s not hard to see why Manchester United want such a world-class midfielder in their side, and the bookmakers’ odds certainly suggest a move could be in the making this summer. He turns 31 in August, but still is considering a risky move to the physical Premier League at his age as he believes in his ability and trusts Van Gaal will take care of him in England.
Will Bastian Schweinsteiger really leave Bayern Munich for Old Trafford?
