Bayern Munich have warned Manchester City that they are prepared to wait until next summer to sign Leroy Sane on a free transfer, according to reports in the German media.
The Citizens are holding firm to their €70m (£63m) valuation of the 24-year-old, despite the winger closing in on the final twelve months of his contract at the Etihad Stadium.
With Bayern reportedly only prepared to pay €40m (£36m), a standoff has ensued but fans on Twitter think City should stick to their guns over Sane’s asking price:
Most arrogant club going and that takes some doing.
— MikeCityFc (@MikeCityFc2) June 10, 2020
Oooooooooo we’re scared ?
— PearceV2 (@PearceMCFCv2) June 10, 2020
Word. It's like a reverse Hostage situation.
— Mazi Ⓜ️ Mezico ♻️? ? (@chimmyOtriumph) June 10, 2020
Bayern Munich have warned City??
REALLY..
Who's in charge here?
Not Bayern…?— Daz.F (@DazFerry) June 10, 2020
And then they can compete with every other team who wants him on a free
— Goater’s Motors (@goatersmotors) June 10, 2020
Bench the boy till then.
— ɪᴢʀᴀᴇʟ ᴀᴅᴇsᴀɴʏᴀ ???? ??????? (@myKKKrazylife) June 10, 2020
sell him to the highest bidder in january. he’s club’s property until summer
— Addy (@mcity1964) June 10, 2020
He can go for free
— Fellah (@Momaverick83) June 10, 2020
Oh my, we'll be losing sleep with that warning
— Jann-Fiete Arp (@ArpJann) June 10, 2020
Selling him for £40m isn't worth it.
If we keep him, win some more trophies with him then we'd already make more money than if we sold him for so cheap.
— M-16 Raheem ?? (@SterlingShine7) June 10, 2020
35 mil or another year free Ide rather do the second one and show Bayern we’re not to be messed about with
— Ben jackson (@EndersNorth) June 10, 2020
It is a difficult situation but there is clearly some brinkmanship going on. Bayern are known for signing players on free transfers but they will be aware that if they do leave it until next year they will have competition for his signature.
City are not a club in need of the money so, although they may compromise slightly on their €70m price tag, Bayern will have to table a much better offer in order to secure Sane’s services.