Just yesterday we heard that Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger is “flattered by the interest from England.” Now it appears the comment made by the club Chairman was about a lot more than flattery. It was foreshadowing. Bild, Germany’s most popular and highest circulation newspaper, claims that Schweinsteiger is leaving the Bundesliga giant, and headed to Manchester United.
Schweinsteiger, who was one year left on his current contract, played under current United Manager Louis van Gaal while he was the boss at Bayern Munich.
Perhaps the reason Schweinsteiger made this move, at this time, is because he knows that LVG can truly get the most out of him.
Bild | Schweinsteiger agreed a 3 year deal with Man Utd worth €10m/year. Transfer fee: €20m pic.twitter.com/BBC8RVolyz
— MANCHESTER UNITED NEWS ?? (@SirAlexStand) July 10, 2015
Schweinsteiger was recently spotted in London, as he was there to support his girlfriend, tennis player Ana Ivanovic, who was participating in Wimbledon. Once Bild, which is a tabloid, reported this story, social media took off. Numerous British papers picked up on the story which claimed it was a done deal.
As of now, there is no confirmation from the United side on this one. That could come early this weekend; provided Schweinsteiger passes the medical. If this transfer goes through, it would be a situation that is ideal for both parties involved. The midfielder didn’t quite fit in at the Allianz Arena under Pep Guardiola; as they have plenty of players at that position.
For Manchester United, the German international provides help to Michael Carrick, who could use some rest, especially given the increased workload that comes with the Red Devils being back in Champions League.
Schweinsteiger, who’s brother is supposedly a United supporter, could be on the verge of fulfilling a family dream, and helping the club fill an important need. His likely addition would mean we will probably see the end of Wayne Rooney in a midfield role. The summer transfer window has been very very quiet since the signing of Memphis Depay on May 7th. That changed yesterday when Louis van Gaal confirmed the arrival of Matteo Darmian, and now with rumblings that a Schweinsteiger deal is imminent.
Sure, there are some minor issues about his fitness and his age. He’s 31, so this is a bit of deviation of protocol for United. But, on paper, it would be close to a perfect fit.
Paul M. Banks owns, operates and writes The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with Fox Sports Digital. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes to the Chicago Tribune RedEye edition. He also appears regularly on numerous sports talk radio stations all across the country.
Follow him on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook