In July 2020, Leroy Sané completed a long-awaited move to Bayern Munich from Manchester City, for an initial £40.9 million.
It ended a year-long saga linking the German winger to the Bundesliga giants and closed what was a glittering but somewhat frustrating career in Sky Blue. There was a line of thinking among fans and pundits alike that his blossoming career at City had only just got started.
Arriving in East Manchester as a teenager, Sané needed a year to settle in before he really showcased his talent to the world. Forming one-third of the deadly Sterling-Agüero-Sané trio, the winger was a crucial part of the team that amassed a record-breaking 100 points in 2017/18.
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It was clear from that point on that Guardiola and Sané's relationship was not perfect and inconsistent runs in the team stopped him from signing a new contract at the Etihad Stadium. Riyad Mahrez's arrival only emphasised that point and it felt like it was only a matter of time before he decided to look for a new challenge.
A fan favourite, Sané's electric brand of football has been slightly hit and miss in the German capital, but he's still only 26 and there is plenty of time for him to develop under the tutelage of Julian Nagelsmann. City's final pre-season friendly of their US tour brings them face-to-face with Sané for the first time since his departure, and the paths of both parties proves Guardiola's standpoint on transfers is right — if a player is unhappy, it is best for everyone that he's moved on.
That was the case with Sané, and since then, City have won back-to-back Premier League titles. The 26-year-old himself has won two Bundesliga titles, but has faced major scrutiny from the Bayern board and fans for his inconsistent performances.
The German club have also just completed the signing of Liverpool's Sadio Mané, while Serge Gnabry has signed a new three-year extension — meaning his competition for places is hotter than ever.
His story should act as proof to City supporters that, with the odd exception, Guardiola is experienced enough to know when it is the right time to let a player go. Gabriel Jesus, Raheem Sterling and Oleksandr Zinchenko's departures this summer are the latest instalments in that saga.
Zinchenko, whose move to Arsenal is yet to be officially confirmed, is the one creating the most angst amongst the fanbase on social media. Many believe his versatility will be sorely missed and think City letting him go is a huge mistake with such a jam-packed schedule on the horizon.
They might be right; but Guardiola so far has shown no reason to doubt his methods and Sané's move to Bayern Munich is a stark reminder of that.
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