Josip Stanisic was a little surprised that FC Bayern gave him up – and then to a potential competitor like Bayer 04 Leverkusen. “I was a bit surprised,” said the 23-year-old defensive all-rounder, who is on loan for a year without an option to buy: “But the clubs agreed and for me it’s the best decision.”
In Munich he no longer knew his position after Noussair Mazraoui (25) had established himself as a regular in Stanisic’s favorite position in the back right in preparation and Benjamin Pavard (27), who was willing to change, had not yet been sold. “It was also a back and forth. I never knew: stay Benji, go Benji, and what about me?” said Stanisic. He was hanging in the air. The Munich native is leaving the record champions after two years as a professional, in which he played 41 games and contributed one goal and one assist. However, he was largely denied match practice under coach Thomas Tuchel.
Sabitzer, Kim, Gosens & Co.: Top Bundesliga transfers in summer 2023
Robin Gosens | Inter -> Union Berlin | Market value: €15 million
Transfer fee: €13m plus €2m in bonuses (In this gallery, arrivals and departures are taken into account and listed according to market value or transfer fee, whichever is higher. As of August 18, 2023)
El Chadaille Bitshiabu | PSG -> RB Leipzig | Transfer fee: €15 million
In view of the competition, it is questionable whether he will collect these regularly in Leverkusen. However, Stanisic can be used in a variety of ways and could play on both the left and right flanks, as well as in central defence. “With Josip’s commitment, the competition in our squad will be intensified again. He is a very ambitious player who will continue to improve the quality of the squad,” sporting director Simon Rolfes emphasized during the loan. Stanisic meanwhile got “really interested” in the Bayer project after the request from Leverkusen and the contact with coach Xabi Alonso.
With his new club, the Croatia national player wants to stand up to his regular club: “It’s very difficult to keep the level for 34 matchdays. That will be a challenge when the English weeks come. But with the breadth of the squad, we certainly have a good chance of winning a title, be it in the Bundesliga or in the cup, or at least playing for titles.” Despite the good start with the 3-2 win against cup winners and Supercup winners RB Leipzig, it is but “important to stay calm. The hype comes very quickly and with it the pressure.” The Werkself continue on Saturday (6:30 p.m.) with the away game at Borussia Mönchengladbach.
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