Bayern Munich have signed long-term target Leroy Sane from Manchester City on a five-year deal.
The forward has long been linked with a move to Bavaria and will join the Bundesliga champions immediately, meaning he will not feature for City for the rest of the season.
#ServusLeroy ?⚪#FCBayern #MiaSanMia @LeroySane19 pic.twitter.com/ZgxpMXg8mR
— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) July 3, 2020
The 24-year-old left the Etihad Stadium as a two-time Premier League and League Cup winner – and also boasts a 2019 FA Cup medal. In total, he made 135 appearances for the Citizens, earning the PFA Young Player of the Year award at the end of the 2017/2018 campaign.
In a statement released on the club’s website, Bayern’s sporting director Hassan Salehmadzik expressed his delight at finally getting his man.
“We are delighted that Leroy is a Bayern player. Leroy is a difference maker and will strengthen our team with his quality. With Serge Gnabry, Kingsley Coman and Leroy, we are now at a very high level in wide positions and Also better equipped which is important for our game.
Leroy Sane has joined Bayern Munich. #ThankYouLeroyhttps://t.co/FwlHmoCJTT
— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 3, 2020
“I would like to thank Manchester City for their trust and constructive negotiations. I would also like to thank our president and chairman of the supervisory board, Herbert Hanner, who has supported us in this transition from the beginning under the difficult circumstances of the coronavirus. supported.”
Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said: “We are delighted to welcome Leroy Sane to FC Bayern. Our aim is to gather the best German players at FC Bayern and the signing of Leroy emphasizes this goal.
“I would like to congratulate Hasan Salihamidžić on successfully completing the transition.”
Sane expressed similar enthusiasm over the move, rumored to cost Bayern around €60m with €49m paid up front and the rest in add-ons.
Alphonso Davies and Leroy Sane on Bayern’s left for the next decade is kind of a sick joke on everyone isn’t it https://t.co/ArA9J99rOw
— Scott Saunders (@_scottsaunders) July 2, 2020
“FC Bayern is a great club with big goals – and these goals suit me too. I’m looking forward to the new challenge and can’t wait to train with the team. I know Hansi Flick from the U21 national team. Yes, we had a very good relationship there. I want to win as many trophies as possible with FC Bayern, and the Champions League is the top priority.”
City director of football Txiki Begiristain added: “Since arriving as a new young talent four years ago, we are proud of the contribution Leroy has made since joining Manchester City. Left with many friends and fond memories.”
90 Minutes first reported that Sane was keen on a move back to Bavaria in July 2019 and his interest in the deal has not waned since then. The former Schalke man was eager to get a transfer on the line in January but Bayern had concerns due to an ACL injury that ruled him out for almost the entire season.
As talks progressed, David Alaba was considered a maquis back in May, however Sane will now join the Bundesliga champions and neither player will be heading in the other direction to City.