Bastian Schweinsteiger Transfer To Manchester United Growing Closer

Bastian Schweinsteiger’s proposed transfer from Bayern Munich to Manchester United is reportedly moving closer.

The Sunday People, via The Mirror, have reported that Louis Van Gaal has made it very clear that he wants the 31-year-old World-Cup winner to re-join him at Old Trafford. Van Gaal previously managed Schweinsteiger while he was manager at Bayern between 2009 and 2011.

United are confident that they can organize a deal with Munich for Schweinsteiger because the 31-year-old German midfielder is now in his last year of his contract.

It’s been reported that United could land Schweinsteiger, who is going to turn 31 in August, for as little as £7.5 million ($12 million).

Meanwhile, Lothar Matthaus, who is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in the history of the German national side and Bayern Munich, should consider leaving the current Bundesliga champions.

Matthaus believes that Schweinsteiger has fallen behind the pecking order at Munich behind Xabi Alonso, Thiago Alcantara, and Javi Martinez. Writing in his column for SportBild, via Goal, Matthaus explains his position.

“I can understand that Schweinsteiger is wondering about his future. Bastian announced that he wants to play football on the highest level until 2018. But in the way he was used at Bayern recent, I think that is impossible.”

Schweinsteiger only played 28 times for Bayern Munich last season, during a campaign that was wrecked by injuries. And he believes that these opportunities are only going to be limited because Guardiola prefers using Thiago, Alonso, and Martinez.

Because of this reasoning, Matthaus believes that Schweinsteiger’s only option is to move to a top European club.

“A switch to the USA would threaten Schweinsteiger’s participation at the European Championships in France next year.

“In the last stage of his career, Schweinsteiger needs a coach who fully trusts him and will tune the system around him. If Schweinsteiger gets an offer from a top European club, I would advise him a transfer in the summer.

“If the rumors are true that Louis Van Gaal wants to bring him to Manchester United, Schweinsteiger should think about the carefully. If Van Gaal wants him, he will let him play where his strengths are.”

(Photo by Simon Hofmann/Bongarts/Getty Images)