According to Don Balon (via Daily Star), Lionel Messi wants Barcelona to join Real Madrid and Bayern Munich in the race to sign Leroy Sane. The Argentine is believed to be keen on the Catalan giants acquiring the services of the Manchester City star as the desired alternative for Antoine Griezmann.
The Atletico Madrid forward was tipped to join Barcelona this summer. But several key players, including Messi, himself, are not pleased with his potential arrival. As a result, the footballing superstar wants his club to join the pursuit of Sane.
What can Sane offer to the table?
Since arriving from Schalke in 2016, Sane has flourished at Manchester City under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola. During his three year spell at the club, the German international has been involved in 84 goals in 133 matches in all competitions. His services from the flanks have played a critical role in Manchester City’s sheer dominance over English football over the past couple of seasons.
As far as gameplay is concerned, Sane is a dynamic forward who likes to take on defenders. His quick feet, coupled with the raw pace, makes him a genuine threat on the counter. But, when probing the opposition, Sane often likes to cut-in and play one-twos with fellow attackers in an attempt to breach the opposition defence. This is a sort of style implemented by Messi.
Sane has averaged over two dribbles per game in two of the last three campaigns. He has also averaged over one key pass in every game in each of the three seasons at the club. Another key feature in Sane’s game is that he always has an eye for goal. This is indicated by the fact that he has already plundered as many as 25 goals in 89 matches in the Premier League.
A better option than Griezmann?
The German could be a better option for Barcelona when compared to Griezmann solely because of his potential. The German international, at the age of 23, can provide the Catalan outfit with the prospect for the future and can potentially be groomed into a replacement for Messi. As for Griezmann, the reported fee of £108 million could be a bit too expensive for a 28-year-old.
Another key factor is Sane’s style of play, which is better suited to Barcelona’s possession-oriented game. Griezmann, in contrast, has flourished in Diego Simeone’s defence-oriented system. That means the Frenchman might need time to adjust to the tactical setup of his new team.
Therefore, it is probably fair to say that Sane would be a better option for Barcelona than Griezmann and the Blaugrana should join the race to sign the Manchester City star this summer.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
