Manchester City winger Leroy Sane remains a key target for Bayern Munich, with latest reports on Wednesday suggesting that the reigning Bundesliga champions have launched a bid of £35 million.
The report also added that Bayern had agreed on a five-year-contract with Sane, and while those developments seem a little premature, it is a well-known fact that the Bavarian giants are hell-bent on adding the 24-year-old to their ranks.
The move almost went through last year, as Manchester City asked for a whopping £88 million, but Sane sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Liverpool in the Community Shield last year.
The German player is now returning to full fitness slowly, and as a consequence, Bayern Munich have stepped up their efforts to secure his services.
Sane’s contract runs until the summer of 2021, and thus, Manchester City would be wise to cash-in on him this summer.
While the transfer saga is far from over just yet, here are three ways Bayern Munich can line up with Leroy Sane.
#3 On either flanks in 4-1-4-1
The Bundesliga giants have played this formation quite a few times in the current campaign, especially against teams which sit deep. If they decide to stick to this system, then it will benefit their would-be signing a lot.
Sane, being a left-footed player can play on the left-flank or he could also be deployed on the right, as an inverted winger.
The youngster’s pace and dribbling would help Bayern stretch opposition teams, with Robert Lewandowski waiting in the middle to wreak havoc.
While still a rare option, Sane’s versatility would help the Bavarians to switch between formations with ease. A 4-1-4-1 would also suit Thomas Muller, who plays best just off Lewandowski.
#2 Anywhere across the front line in 4-2-3-1
Bayern Munich have played the majority of their matches this season in a 4-2-3-1 formation, as it helps them bring out the best of both Muller and Philippe Coutinho since both are well suited to a number 10 role.
Sane too can play as a playmaker in the centre of the park, although his attributes are best suited on the flanks.
As mentioned above, the 24-year-old is adept at playing on either wing and that’s where he does most of the damage, using his pace to get in behind defences and deliver the goods.
The 4-2-3-1 is a balanced formation, given that the two players in midfield can switch roles constantly. One of them can venture forward, while the other would be tasked to mop up the danger.
#1 As a wide forward in 4-3-3
Given the attacking arsenal that Bayern Munich have, a 4-3-3 set-up would be best suited to them, as it would help create a mouth-watering attacking trio of Leroy Sane, Robert Lewandowski, and Serge Gnabry.
Gnabry and Sane are teammates at the international level, so they have a natural understanding, which would benefit them a lot.
Moreover, most of the big sides across Europe play in a 4-3-3 formation – look at Liverpool, Juventus, or even Manchester City. Sane has plenty of experience playing as a wide forward under Pep Guardiola, and it could come handy at the Allianz Arena as well.
He would allow Bayern Munich to play multiple systems, without tweaking much to the team’s overall philosophy.
By signing the German winger, Bayern would be adding a player who is quick, versatile, has an eye for a goal, and above all, is still very young.
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