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Leroy Sane: Who is Manchester City's new £37m signing from Schalke?

Germany's Leroy Sane has been linked with Manchester City

Manchester City have paid £37m for Schalke's Leroy Sane - and here's what you need to know about the Germany winger...

Sane, who played at Euro 2016, had a host of heavyweight suitors, with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid also reportedly interested in him.   

But City have got their man. So, how will he fit in? Here's a rundown of all you need to know...

Schalke's midfielder Leroy Sane runs with the ball during the German first division Bundesliga football match FC Ingolstadt 04 vs FC Schalke 04 in Ingolsta
Image: Sane has been with German side Schalke since 2011

Factfile

Name: Leroy Sane

Age: 20

Place of birth: Essen, Germany

Also See:

Position: Winger

Club: Manchester City

Last season's stats: Eight goals, six assists for Schalke in the Bundesliga 

Leroy Sane in action for Schalke against Bayern Munich
Image: Sane in action for Schalke against Bayern Munich last season

Background

Son of former Sengalese footballer Souleyman Sane, the young winger began his youth career with one of his father's former clubs, SG Wattensheid 09, joining them at the age of five in 2001. He moved on to Schalke four years later, before linking up with Bayer Leverkusen in 2008.

Having eventually returned to Schalke, the winger made his Bundesliga debut in April 2014, coming on as a late substitute in a 3-1 defeat at Stuttgart. 

He began to establish himself the following year, scoring on his Champions League debut in a memorable 4-3 away win against Real Madrid, before netting in his first league start just four days later.

Sane
Image: Sane celebrates with his Schalke team-mates last season

Having scored five goals in six appearances for Germany's U21s, Sane was promoted to the senior side last season, earning his first full senior cap in a 2-0 friendly defeat to Euro 2016 hosts France in November. He has four caps in total.

Sane impressed at club level in 2015/16, too, finishing the Bundesliga season with eight goals and six assists in 33 appearances as Schalke came fifth.

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Here's a look at Leroy Sane's stats from last season. How does he compare to other midfielders at Man City?

What does Sane bring to the table?

The 20-year-old's pace, skill and confidence in possession makes him a strong dribbler, with a level of composure that belies his tender years.

Sane is most comfortable on the right wing, where he is adept at cutting inside onto his favoured left foot. One of his greatest strengths, however, is his positional versatility, having also played on the left and behind the striker at club level.

Similarly, his return of goals and assists, predominantly from wide areas, demonstrates the genuine threat the youngster can pose to opposition defences.

Leroy is a huge talent. I can only congratulate Germany on having a talent like him.
Pep Guardiola on Leroy Sane

Where will he fit at City?

The competition for attacking positions at the Etihad is already strong, with the likes of David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne integral to the club's offensive playing style.

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Man City's newest signing Leroy Sane explains why he chose to join from Schalke for a fee of around £37m. Pictures from CityTV

Sane will, however, challenge Raheem Sterling, Jesus Navas and Samir Nasri for a starting spot. All three have been inconsistent performers for City, and Guardiola could seek to freshen things up with his youthful addition on the flanks.

At just 20-years-old, Sane's best years surely lie ahead of him, and his versatility will also serve him well at the Etihad. Securing a place in Guardiola's team will be a big challenge, but Sane certainly has the talent to make an impact.

Leroy Sane during a photo call at the Etihad Stadium
Image: Sane has signed a five-year deal at the Etihad Stadium

What they've said…

Schalke director of sport Horst Heldt has described the Germany international as "a very talented and versatile attacking player", while Guardiola was hugely complimentary of the youngster while in charge of Bayern Munich last season. "Leroy is a huge talent," he said. "I can only congratulate Germany on having a talent like him."

Did you know?

As well as his father being a former footballer, Sane's mother is former German Olympic gymnast Regina Weber.  

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