Latest developments
- Man United have inquired about Bayern Munich's Leroy Sane.
- The former Man City winger is out of contract with the German giants in the summer.
- Arsenal are said to also be monitoring the right winger
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (4/5): “Bayern Insider” is a trustworthy source
Leroy Sane has not been a key man for Vincent Kompany since the Belgian's arrival in Bavaria, the German international is yet to start a match in either the Bundesliga or the UEFA Champions League this season. Yet, he is still contributing to the team, scoring three times in all competitions, suggesting he is more than capable of making the right side at Old Trafford his own, ahead of the underwhelming Antony and still-developing Amad Diallo.
United have already inquired about Sane, according to BILD journalist and host of the Bayern Insider podcast, Christian Falk, one of the leading English-speaking journalists on all things Bayern.
Value (4/5): United aiming for cut-price deal as Sane's deal runs down
Sane's current deal with Bayern runs down at the end of the season, so Man United could aim to get the German on a free transfer in the summer.
That could prove risky, with Falk claiming that Arsenal are interested in the winger, too. Should United swoop in in January, Bayern may be willing to accept a price much lower than Transfermarkt's €60 million valuation.
Suitability (4.5/5): Versatile attacker invaluable to United's front line
A natural right-sider, Sane has plenty of experience on the left wing and playing in a more central role, too. That versatility is a real positive, with the jury still out on what formation Ruben Amorim will want to use at Old Trafford.
Amorim favours two attackers sitting in behind a target man at Sporting CP, but with no Viktor Gyokeres-type forward at United, he may switch to a more traditional 3-4-3, where Sane can certainly find a home.
Upgrade? (4/5): A blend of skills on offer to aid Red Devils’ backline
As one of the three lowest scorers in the Premier League, attack is a key area for United to improve. In Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho, the Red Devils have young wingers yet to realise their true potential, however, Marcus Rashford has only shown glimpses of his best, while Antony has never come close to living up to his price tag.
Still only 28, Sane has not lost any of his pace and ability that saw him win two Premier League titles in three full years at Man City.
Logic (2.5/5): Lots of uncertainty around Old Trafford
A move up the pecking order and a return to a league and city he knows well will make this an attractive proposition, yet a move to Manchester United is no longer the no-brainer it once was.
Despite the positivity around the Amorim appointment, it remains to be seen how the Portuguese will get on at the Theatre of Dreams, and indeed if Sane is a player the new manager admires. With Sane turning 29 in January, Amorim might look elsewhere for long-term attacking options.
Whisper+ final verdict – 19/ 25
The German has the potential to be an experienced head in the United dressing room who, crucially, can also contribute some much-needed goals and assists at Old Trafford in the short-term.
That could make a January move likely, especially if Sane continues to be out of the picture at Bayern. If there is no move this winter, though, then it may not happen at all, depending on the direction Amorim takes as his era at Old Trafford begins, while Arsenal and other potential suitors could be a more exciting destination for the ex-Cityzen.
