Manchester United would consider allowing Bastian Schweinsteiger to leave for free, after the German stated that they will be the last European club he plays for.
The 32-year-old cost United around £6m when Louis van Gaal, the former manager, signed him from Bayern Munich last summer. After a disappointing first season there is a recognition at United that if it is suitable for both parties, a transfer fee will not be requested should Schweinsteiger receive an attractive offer.
The World Cup winner, who retired from international football last month, has two years left on his three-season, £140,000 a-week contract. That equates to around £15m in wages were he to stay until the end of his deal.
Allowing Schweinsteiger to go for free would give the midfielder a greater chance of finding a club that is desirable to him and would cut United’s losses on a player who has been dropped from the first-team squad and been told to train with the younger players by manager José Mourinho.
The German’s statement on Wednesday that he will not play for another European club appeared to pave the way for a move to a club in Major League Soccer, China or the Middle East. However, the transfer windows of the MLS and China are closed until February and June, respectively, so unless he becomes a free agent Schweinsteiger could not play there until then.
This is a scenario by which United might waive a fee and if Schweinsteiger’s contract with the club was cancelled he would be a free agent. A spokesperson for Fifa told The Guardian on Wednesday that any footballer who is not contracted can join a club in any region of the world at any time.
Qatar’s window is open until 30 September while the United Arab Emirates market does not close until 20 October. Schweinsteiger could then join a club in Qatar or UAE even if United wanted a fee for him, though this would only be nominal.
In a tweet entitled: “A brief message to the amazing fans about my current situation” Schweinsteiger said on Wednesday: “MUFC will be my last club in Europe. I respect other clubs but Manchester United was the only one which could make me leave Bayern Munich. I will be ready, if the team needs me.
“This is all I can say about my current situation. I want to thank the fans for their amazing support over the recent weeks.”
A brief message to the amazing fans about my current situation. @ManUtd pic.twitter.com/Rf3jLKNwK4
— Basti Schweinsteiger (@BSchweinsteiger) August 24, 2016
Schweinsteiger made 26 appearances and 13 Premier League starts for United last season, scoring one goal.
