While much of the media focus has been on Paul Pogba’s record-breaking move from Juventus to Manchester United, the blue half of the city has been busily going about its own transfer business as the team heads to Europe for its final pre-season preparations. Manchester City’s latest coup is German youngster Leroy Sané, who has signed a five-year deal worth up to £37 million.
Sané has had no shortage of suitors with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid both monitoring him over the past year. The 20-year-old is most comfortable on the left wing as he likes to cut in and look for a shot on goal. But his versatility means he can play a number of positions upfront. Sané’s arrival may also serve as a warning to City’s other star left winger, Samir Nasri. The Frenchman hasn’t been training with the first team since returning from holiday due to his weight, with new City manager Guardiola renowned for the very strict rules he maintains in regards to the physical side of his players. Nasri will have to regain his fitness before joining the rest of the team.
It has been a busy summer for the new manager. He has already signed Sané’s Germany team-mate Ilkay Gundogan from Borussia Dortmund for £21.6 million, Spain forward Nolito from Celta Vigo for £13.8 million and Ukraine midfielder Oleksandr Zinchencko from FC Ufa for £3.4 million. City’s transfer business won’t stop there with a number of other deals edging closer to completion. Palmeiras striker Gabriel Jesus, Atletico Nacional forward Marlos Moreno and Deportivo Maldonado goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli are all expected to join the club in the coming days.
New Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola
As for Everton defender John Stones, negotiations with British players are never easy as English players are usually priced higher than their true value, but it seems the Toffees are already working on his replacement with Swansea’s Ashley Williams close to signing.
If City do complete all of these signing to complete the final puzzle it would push their summer spending past £150 million, but it would also be the team Guardiola wants.
Aside from Arsenal, the top clubs have been highly active in the transfer window. That means Arsène Wenger will have a lot to answer if they fail to secure another central back in time for their opening game against Liverpool after their captain Per Mertesacker suffered a season-ending knee injury.
