Reports: Sané to Man City for 50 million euros

Former Bayern Munich coach Guardiola is interested in signing Sané for his renovated Manchester City side and is willing to pay up to 50 million euros, if widespread reports are to be believed.

If completed, the deal will be the second most expensive transfer involving a Bundesliga club, just behind potential team mate Kevin De Bruyne's move from Wolfsburg.

Sané, 20, actually only scored eight league goals last term and had six assists, but it was enough for him to be included in Germany's Euro 2016 squad.

He failed to make an impact after one short substitute appearance as his country were beaten by hosts France in the semifinal, even though he had been much-hyped before the tournament and had been considered as one of the most promising pieces in Jogi Löw's puzzle.

There is hardly any debate about Sané's talent and potential, but the reported price tag raises questions about whether he would live up to the billing.

History of attacking flops

Manchester City have a history of splashing the cash on attacking talent, but the outcome has been mixed. Sergio Aguero, David Silva and De Bruyne have been major successes but Raheem Sterling struggled last season after a big money move from Liverpool while Jesus Navas and Wilfried Bony have also flopped.

Sané would risk falling into that category if he failed to justify such a big fee. Having said that, the club's potential new lease of life under Guardiola, who managed to win the domestic title in six of his last seven seasons as head coach of both Barcelona and Bayern, may clearly appeal to Sané.

Pep's reputation of nurturing young promising football players and turning them into real powerhouses is a potential factor, with Thiago Alcantara, Sergio Busquets and David Alaba being prime examples of that. Joshua Kimmich's solid performances for Germany during Euro 2016 show that he benefited from being under Guardiola´s wing in Bavaria.

Future development also a key factor

Playing time could also play a part in Sané's decision-making process. At City, he is bound to face competition from the likes of Silva, former Wolfsburg man De Bruyne and new signing Nolito. He might often be consigned to the bench. At Schalke, however, Sané is one of the first names on the team sheet.

At this early stage of his career, game time is vital for a player's technical and personal development, and Sané needs to get reassurances from whichever club he decides to play for.

The Premier League's demanding style is also bound to take a toll on Sané should he join City. Shinji Kagawa and Andre Schürrle are examples of Bundesliga stars who failed to make the grade in England, and ended up returning to Germany after unsuccessful spells.

The 20-year-old Sané clearly has a big decision to make, and it is one that could well define whether he will become the world beater he is touted to be.