According to a recent report by AS (translated by ESPN), Manchester City have identified Real Sociedad winger Mikel Oyarzabal as a replacement for Leroy Sane if the German leaves the Mancunian club to join Bayern Munich this summer. The same source has also mentioned that the Citizens are prepared to trigger Oyarzabal’s €75m release clause if they end up parting ways with Sane in this off-season.
Oyarzabal’s Magnificent Rise To The Top Of Spanish Football
The Spanish prospect started his career at Real Sociedad before battling his way up their youth ranks to represent their B team. The 22-year-old finally managed to make his debut for Real Sociedad’s first-team back in 2016 and has since been a joy to watch in the La Liga.
The Sociedad starlet also played a crucial role in helping the Spanish Under-21 side emerge victorious in the 2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championships last month. He has appeared in two international matches for Spain and has found the back of the net once for them so far.
Oyarzabal Vs Sane: Who Is Better?
Oyarzabal has experienced a brilliant couple of seasons at the Ipurua Municipal Stadium after he put in a string of impressive performances for the Spanish outfit across all competitions. The Eibar-born whizkid featured in 41 matches for Sociedad last season, registering 14 goals while creating four assists on all fronts.
Comparatively, Sane performed even better in the previous campaign as he scored 16 goals and grabbed 18 assists in 47 matches for Man City in various competitions. Even though the German star is a year older than Oyarzabal, there is no denying that he is the more proven talent. Thus, it won’t be wise for the Citizens to let Sane leave this summer.
What Are Oyarzabal’s Best Attributes?
The Spaniard has decent pace in his locker and is a very direct dribbler with the ball down the flanks. He can time his runs to perfection behind the opposition defence, which allows him to create openings for others around him. Oyarzabal is also a potent goal-scorer in the final third as he can find the back of the net consistently at the highest level.
Will The Spaniard Be A Decent Replacement For Sane?
If the German prospect decides to part ways with the Citizens before the start of the new campaign, then Oyarzabal may turn out to be a brilliant replacement for him at the Etihad Stadium. The Sociedad midfielder is an unforgiving finisher but needs to work on his creative skills if he wants to succeed in English football.
