Bayern Munich are closing in on the acquisition of Manchester City star Leroy Sane, it has been claimed.
The German international has been linked with a move away from Etihad this summer, after falling down the pecking order at Manchester City in the recently concluded Premier League season.
According to Mirror, Bayern Munich are growing increasingly confident of signing Leroy Sane this summer.
Sane’s departure will still create a large hole in the Manchester City City attack, given their lack of depth in the said department.
Hence, it will be imperative for the Sky Blues to sign a replacement, should the German international leave the club this summer.
Leroy Sane always offered the spark when City needed him
After arriving from FC Schalke for a big money move in 2016, Sane has flourished under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola. The 23-year-old has been involved in as many as 84 goals in just 133 competitive matches for the club.
Sane played a key role in Guardiola’s first Premier League title triumph last season, having managed 10 goals and 15 assists in 32 league matches.
The winger maintained a similar productivity this time around, having been involved in 21 goals in 31 matches. But, his overall appearances have taken a significant dip, with Sane mustering just over 1,850 minutes of league football this term. That is significantly lower than the 2,424 minutes he had played last season.
The incredible form of Bernardo Silva and Raheem Sterling had a big impact on minimising Sane’s chances. But that’s not to say that the German international has struggled to impress Guardiola.
Moreover, the ex-Schalke starlet, aside from his offensive productivity, brings more pace and penetration in the final third. And his ability to drift past defenders at ease has already made him one of the most highly rated wingers in world football. Hence, Manchester City need to invest in someone who would provide similar traits next season.
Joao Felix, for one, could be an interesting choice. The Portuguese has had a breakthrough campaign in Liga NOS, having been involved in 24 goals in 26 matches. He is already regarded as one of Europe’s most promising talents and at the age of 19, Guardiola can afford to utilise him as more of a back-up than a regular starter.
This could also benefit the player, himself, who could find it difficult to integrate to the faster-paced nature of English football. As for Sane, a move away from Etihad seems logical, especially when he can be considered as a first-team option for Bayern next season, following the departures of Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery.