Manchester City have been unexpectedly linked with a potential return for one of their former players, a move that has caught many by surprise.
After a difficult period saw them drop down the league table, Pep Guardiola’s team has shown improvement with consecutive victories over Leicester City and West Ham, leaving them just two points behind fourth-placed Chelsea. However, with ongoing injury concerns, City are expected to be active in the January transfer window. Reports of a potential £120 million spending spree have circulated, but fresh speculation suggests the reigning Premier League champions may look to re-sign a former star.
City brought back Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer during the summer, and now, according to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, they are reportedly interested in reuniting with former winger Leroy Sane.
Sane enjoyed a successful four-year stint at City after joining from Schalke for £37 million in 2016. During his time in England, he won back-to-back Premier League titles, the FA Cup, and scored 39 goals in 135 appearances. The 2017-18 PFA Young Player of the Year returned to Germany in 2020, joining Bayern Munich, where he has since secured three Bundesliga titles.
Currently in the final six months of his Bayern contract, Sane is free to negotiate with foreign clubs about a pre-contract agreement. This season, under former teammate Vincent Kompany, he has started just seven of Bayern’s 17 Bundesliga and Champions League games, contributing five goals across all competitions.
The report indicates that Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea are also monitoring Sane’s situation, but City remain keen on their former player. Sane is still fondly remembered by City fans for his electrifying performances at the Etihad Stadium and has previously credited Guardiola for significantly improving his game.
Notably, Guardiola was seen consoling Sane after City eliminated Bayern from the Champions League in 2023.
Guardiola’s January Transfer Stance
Despite ongoing transfer rumors, Guardiola has expressed uncertainty about making signings in January, citing the challenges of the mid-season market.
“I don’t know right now,” Guardiola said in a recent press conference. “It’s not easy, it will not be easy. Maybe we’ll sign, or maybe we won’t sign anyone. The club has to be wise and not make moves just for the sake of it.
“Given the situation we’re in and the persistent injuries, it would make sense, but I don’t know if it will be possible.”
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