After sealing Leroy Sane’s deal, are Manchester City showing the once coveted English talent the door?
With the signing of former Schalke’s starlet Leroy Sane on Tuesday of £37 million, England international Raheem Sterling’s City career may be in jeopardy. Manuel Pellegrini purchased Sterling from Liverpool last summer for a fee of £49 million after both sides failed to agree on a new contract. The transfer fee was the highest ever for an English player.
Sterling had a terrible Euro 2016 despite Roy Hodgson give him chances after chances to prove himself to the English and City’s supporters.
Manchester City new head coach Pep Guardiola reportedly told Sterling, “As long as you work for me I’ll fight for you.” a source revealed to dailymail.co.uk.
“Keep your head up and don’t worry, I know you’re a good player and you’re a big part of my plans,” he concluded.
Pep has bolstered his attacking options with the signing of Sane and Celta Vigo play-maker Nolito for a reported fee of £13.8 million this summer, which means Sterling will face a stiff competition with the likes of new signing Sane, Silva, De Bruyne, Nolito, Nasri and Jesus Navas.
The 20-year-old had a breakout campaign at Schalke with 8 goals in 23 starts while also contributing six assists last season, his spectacular display lead to a call-up for Euro 2016.
Sane is keen to become a complete player and feel as though playing under Pep will boost his chances to do so.
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“I followed Pep at Barcelona and at Bayern (Munich) where he achieved a lot and worked really well with young players and brought them on. That was a big part of my decision to come here.
“He will bring me a long way in terms of tactics and I think he can help any player develop technically. I think he can make me a more complete player.
“The coach convinced me it’s a very good club and I can continue to progress. I know there is a very good coach here and I will learn a lot.
“I am glad it has all finally worked out for the best. Now I’m here and I can take the next step in my career,” said Sane, via mancity.com
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The Spaniard coach is an admirer of the Germany international and has been chasing the youngster since he was at Bayern Munich.
“He is a young player with outstanding ability and I’m sure the Manchester City fans will be very excited about seeing him in action,” Pep talking about Sane’s signing, per skysports.com.
Raheem Sterling should seek a move away from Etihad to get his shattered confidence back. Getting Sane’s signature was the final confirmation that City are done with Sterling and that he should look to play his football elsewhere.