A big theme this summer is youngsters leaving Bayern Munich after having graduated through all the age groups and making the next step in their career. The next in this line of players is 22-year-old Gabriel Marušić, who Bayern’s official website has confirmed leaves for Austrian second division outfit Austria Salzburg:
Gabriel Marušić (March 3, 2003) is taking the next step in his development. The FC Bayern Amateurs central defender is moving to newly promoted Austrian second-division side SV Austria Salzburg one year before the end of his contract. The Nuremberg native aims to establish himself in professional football at the traditional club from the City of Mozart.
Markus Weinzierl, Sporting Director of the FC Bayern Campus, had this to say: “Gaba was one of the first players to move in after the campus opened in 2017. He always gave his all on the pitch, but unfortunately, injuries have held him back in recent years. We are all the more pleased that he is now ready for a new challenge. We thank him for his time at FC Bayern and wish him all the best in Salzburg.”
Unfortunately, Weinzierl’s words about Marušić’s injuries ring true. The Croatian center-back made his debut for the U-23s in 2021, but multiple months long injuries held him back. The worst was yet to come, however, as he suffered two consecutive cruciate ligament tears that kept him out for around two years. He only made his full return to the U-23s this past season.
Now, having regained his fitness and well on his way to regaining his form, Marušić feels ready to take the next step. Having stood by him and renewed his contract despite injury all this time, Bayern are clearly all too happy to see the youngster’s improved health and let him go on his way. Hopefully Marušić will remain healthy in the years to come and succeeds in Salzburg. He really deserves it.