BAYERN MUNICH are “convinced” that Leroy Sane wants to sign for them, according to reports.
The 24-year-old was a key target last summer, with former boss Niko Kovac having even sparked anger at Manchester City by suggesting that he was “confident” that Bayern would complete the move.
Sane has been out of action since AugustCredit: Getty – Contributor
But Sane’s horrific cruciate ligament rupture sustained just 13 minutes into the Community Shield derailed the seemingly impending transfer.
Bayern remain a big fan of the German international, but had threatened to call off their pursuit earlier this year when he switched representatives.
The Bundesliga champions were irritated after being told by new reps LIAN Sports that the terms previously agreed with the player last summer were no longer valid.
According to The Athletic, this made club chiefs question Sane’s motivations – and whether they are solely financial.
But they have now been swayed back in his favour.
Sane is close friends with international team-mates Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka, who have been “lobbying” for him to make the switch to the Allianz Arena.
FAMILY VALUES
And it is believed that family could play a big part in his decision.
The winger has a young daughter, born last September, who he and his partner would like to raise back in Germany.
As for the fee, Bayern had been willing to pay £87.5million last summer, with City trying to hold out for £131m.
But with Sane’s contract set to expire in June next year, and with the current uncertainty amid the coronavirus crisis, Bayern want to open their bidding at £35m.
City see this figure as derisory, and have shown an indication that they would rather keep him for another year before losing him for free – than sell for that price.
However it appears that this bid is just the beginning, and that the likelihood remains that the two parties will agree on a deal at some point.
Another motivation for Sane could be the upcoming expiry of his Nike contract – with a Bayern move strengthening the possibility of a switch to Adidas.
Eyebrows were raised earlier this when he decided to have his injury treated by Dr. Christian Frink, a surgeon regularly used by Bayern, rather than Pep Guardiola’s usual trusted man in Dr. Ramon Cugat.
Sane had made his return to full training just prior to Covid-19 wiping out the football calendar, appearing for City’s Under-23s against Arsenal in February.#
Sane had just returned to training prior to Covid-19Credit: Getty Images – Getty
The 24-year-old stepped up his comeback with an U-23s outing against Arsenal in FebruaryCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Leroy Sane shows off his incredible trainer collection as Man City star fills his house with hundreds of designer pairs
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
