4 Manchester City Targets That Bother Real Madrid

Leroy Sane, 20, Schalke 04, Winger

It’s interesting to me that MARCA picked Sane, of all players, for the piece because Real weren’t exactly a club most linked with the lad. Chelsea were interested in him a year ago and Jurgen Klopp tried to make a move for him back at the start of the year, but both were rebuffed. It was assumed, as is the form in Germany, he would be Bayern Munich bound once he came of age. With Arjen Robben and Frank Ribbery aging, it was only natural Bayern would dip into the Bundesliga to find some suitable young replacements for the wings, Sane being one.

Indeed, Bayern were considered to be the Blues’ primary competition to a move for Sane, compounded all the more because Pep came to City from Munich directly. However, cold water was poured on the idea earlier in the month when new Die Bayern manager Carlo Ancelotti stated, quite matter-of-factly, that his club weren’t interested in the Schalke starlet.

It seems however, if MARCA is to be believed, that not only were Real interested they basically had Sane pencilled in as if it was a forgone conclusion. Yet again though, it seems they will be missing out thanks to Pep who was also directly responsible, if reports are to be believed, for convincing Sane to come to Manchester. The Guardiola factor, folks.

Sane is a bit more of a sure thing than Jesus, in many ways. He was a first team regular for Schalke last season, racking up 8 goals and 6 assists primarily from the right-wing, and has proved he can play at the highest level. His pace, skill and penchant for cutting inside could well see him play a role similar to Lionel Messi under Pep, who undoubtedly is licking his chops at the chance to mould him as he sees fit.

If Manchester City do pony up Schalke’s requested amount of 50 million euros or, as MARCA suggests, wait for his price tag to be lowered by a release clause next year, this could well present another missed boat for Real. Having said that, I’m not personally convinced Madrid really wanted him as much as is being suggested and it’s almost certainly not a factor for Pep who clearly had his eye on Sane from his time in the Bundesliga. He may well yet gain with Sane, but I’m not sure it’s at Zidane’s loss.

Next: Toni Kroos