The 20-year-old winger has emerged as the Bundesliga’s most promising young attacking talent and has been rewarded for his excellent 2015-16 season by being given a spot in Germany’s Euro 2016 squad. Although Manchester United are reported to be interested in his signature, rivals Manchester City have made the first concrete move to bring him to England.
Leroy Sane has been on the radar of several top clubs in Europe following his impressive performances for Schalke last season. The latest product of an academy that produced players like Mesut Ozil, Manuel Neuer and Julian Draxler, Sane has the potential to be a world class attacker in the coming years. Two Premier League giants in particular have been scouting the player — Manchester United and Manchester City.
However, it now looks like the Citizens have gained the upper hand in the chase, with Pep Guardiola’s new side on the verge of wrapping up a £40 million deal for Sane, according to the Sun. The report states that the winger will join up with Guardiola and Manchester City after Euro 2016.
This will be Guardiola’s second major signing for the club — also a second from the Bundesliga — after it was confirmed that Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan will be joining Manchester City next summer.
Where does Sane fit at Manchester City under Guardiola?
Manchester City already boast an enviable array of attacking midfield talent. Top class playmakers like Belgium’s Kevin De Bruyne and Spain’s David Silva work their magic alongside pacey wingers like Raheem Sterling and Jesus Navas. The emergence of young Nigerian attacker Kelechi Iheanacho has expanded their options even further, with the 19-year-old often starting as striker alongside Sergio Aguero towards the end of the season.
Leroy Sane will have a tough time competing for a starting spot in the current Manchester City lineup, but Guardiola’s arrival could see a significant squad shake-up. The former Barcelona manager might choose to get rid of some of his attacking midfielders to make room for Sane, but regardless of that, the pressure will immediately be on the Germany youngster to perform if he wants regular first-team action.
