According to a recent report by Sky Germany (translated by the Daily Mail), Manchester City are lining up a move to secure the services of Mikel Oyarzabal from Real Sociedad as they prepare for life without Leroy Sane. The same source has claimed that the Citizens have identified the Spanish winger as an ideal replacement for Sane if he decides to seal a move away from the Etihad Stadium at the end of this campaign.
Sky Germany (translated by the Daily Mail) also goes on to reveal that Man City are willing to cough up the £67.5m release clause which has been inserted in Oyarzabal’s contract that runs out in the summer of 2024 at Sociedad. Therefore, the La Liga outfit will be powerless to stop their prized asset from leaving if Pep Guardiola decides to match his buy-out clause.
Oyarzabal’s Majestic Rise In La Liga
The 22-year-old is a product of the Real Sociedad academy and had to fight his way up their youth ranks to finally break out as a first-team starter back in 2016. He is an exceptionally gifted footballer who is gradually transforming himself into a consistent goal-scorer and an assist-maker while operating from the wide positions.
Oyarzabal has begun this campaign on fire after scoring four goals and creating three assists in 10 appearances for Imanol Alguacil’s side across all competitions. The Spaniard has been a joy to watch in the Spanish top-flight and is expected to have a very bright career in European football. He has also represented the Spanish national side in six international matches and has netted one goal for his country thus far.
Oyarzabal Vs Sane: Who Has The Edge?
Comparatively, Man City’s Sane has been missing in action after sustaining a severe injury against Liverpool in the FA Community Shield and is expected to be sidelined for a significant chunk of this season. However, the German winger has already proven his worth in the Premier League, scoring 25 goals and providing 31 assists in 89 league appearances for the Citizens so far.
Both Oyarzabal and Sane are pretty similar in the way they operate as both wingers tend to be direct runners with the ball and loves to take on the opposition defenders in the final third. Even though Oyarzabal does not possess the blistering speed of Sane’s, the Spaniard more than makes up for his lack of pace through his technical prowess. He is excellent at linking up play with others around him and can unlock a rigid defence with a killer pass.
Final Verdict
If the Sociedad wide player continues to be prolific throughout the remainder of this campaign, then Guardiola would be wise to bring him to Manchester next summer as he will be a brilliant replacement for Sane.
