Leroy Sane: Who is Manchester City's new £37m signing from Schalke?
Sane, who played at Euro 2016, had a host of heavyweight suitors, with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid also reportedly interested in him.
But City have got their man. So, how will he fit in? Here's a rundown of all you need to know...
Name: Leroy Sane
Age: 20
Place of birth: Essen, Germany
Position: Winger
Club: Manchester City
Last season's stats: Eight goals, six assists for Schalke in the Bundesliga
Son of former Sengalese footballer Souleyman Sane, the young winger began his youth career with one of his father's former clubs, SG Wattensheid 09, joining them at the age of five in 2001. He moved on to Schalke four years later, before linking up with Bayer Leverkusen in 2008.
Having eventually returned to Schalke, the winger made his Bundesliga debut in April 2014, coming on as a late substitute in a 3-1 defeat at Stuttgart.
He began to establish himself the following year, scoring on his Champions League debut in a memorable 4-3 away win against Real Madrid, before netting in his first league start just four days later.
Sane impressed at club level in 2015/16, too, finishing the Bundesliga season with eight goals and six assists in 33 appearances as Schalke came fifth.
The 20-year-old's pace, skill and confidence in possession makes him a strong dribbler, with a level of composure that belies his tender years.
Sane is most comfortable on the right wing, where he is adept at cutting inside onto his favoured left foot. One of his greatest strengths, however, is his positional versatility, having also played on the left and behind the striker at club level.
Similarly, his return of goals and assists, predominantly from wide areas, demonstrates the genuine threat the youngster can pose to opposition defences.
Leroy is a huge talent. I can only congratulate Germany on having a talent like him.
Pep Guardiola on Leroy Sane
The competition for attacking positions at the Etihad is already strong, with the likes of David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne integral to the club's offensive playing style.
At just 20-years-old, Sane's best years surely lie ahead of him, and his versatility will also serve him well at the Etihad. Securing a place in Guardiola's team will be a big challenge, but Sane certainly has the talent to make an impact.
Schalke director of sport Horst Heldt has described the Germany international as "a very talented and versatile attacking player", while Guardiola was hugely complimentary of the youngster while in charge of Bayern Munich last season. "Leroy is a huge talent," he said. "I can only congratulate Germany on having a talent like him."
Did you know?
As well as his father being a former footballer, Sane's mother is former German Olympic gymnast Regina Weber.
Comments
Post a Comment