Report: Bayern Munich convinced in Leroy Sane’s desire to join club from Manchester City

According to a new article (paywall) by Raphael Honigstein and Sam Lee in The Athletic, Bayern Munich is convinced in Leroy Sané’s desire to move to Munich from Manchester City. The only thing in the way is the fee between the two clubs.

While this seems to be nothing more of a continuation of the transfer saga between the clubs spanning as far back as last summer, Honigstein points out that the environment surrounding the transfer has changed.

“Two things have changed between now and then,” Honigstein writes. “Sane’s contract is even closer to its end and the transfer market has been changed beyond any recognition by the impact of the coronavirus. Fees of anywhere close to €100 million are unlikely to be seen for a while.”

The most notable aspect of that quote is indeed the financial impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic. While Bayern is still willing to pay approximately €40 million euros, Manchester City are also willing to allow Sane leave for free next transfer window. While that bid had earlier angered Manchester City, the current financial situation means the eventual fee will perhaps be closer to that figure rather than the €150m initially asked by Man City at the start of negotiations last year.

Furthermore, Honigstein and Lee report that while Sane has a new offer still on the table by Manchester City, he shows little interest in re-signing, further suggesting his interest in Bayern. That mentality fits in with what the Oliver Kahn and the board of Bayern want in their new signings this upcoming window, “German players that are 100% committed to the club.”

This has been nothing short of an exhausting transfer saga, but hopefully the writing is on the wall and will be resolved sooner than later.