Do Manchester City really need Leroy Sane for next season?

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has decisions to make on his options in midfield.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is reportedly lining up a bid for Schalke 04 and Germany winger Leroy Sane this summer, according to various sources.

But given the Sky Blues already have the likes of Raheem Sterling, Nolito, Jesus Navas and Samir Nasri who can operate in the wide areas, do City really need another winger in the side?

Will Man City sell the deadwood this summer?

With Guardiola eyeing up another wide man, clearly he’s unhappy with the current crop at his disposal. Raheem Sterling has been out of form in the last 12 months, but is likely to be retained given his potential and young age. The former Liverpool winger has a skill-set that could be enhanced under the right coaching, so Guardiola is likely to want to develop his abilities.

Jesus Navas is a player who hasn’t lived up to his billing since his move from La Liga side Sevilla in 2013, and the Spanish international could be forced out of the Etihad Stadium this summer as a result. The 30-year-old only has 12 months left on his current deal with Manchester City, and has racked up 147 games for the Sky Blues, scoring just eight goals, while never really dazzling for a prolonged period.

Samir Nasri is another player running the risk of being sold if Manchester City get some interest. The Frenchman will turn 30 next year but hasn’t played much football due to his injury woes. Guardiola is keen to completely revitalise the midfield as City are an ageing team, and Sane might be a long-term acquisition to breed the next generation at the Etihad stadium.

Guardiola keen to lower the average age of creative players

The Manchester City manager isn’t promising a long stay, but he seems keen to lower the average age during his time in England. Nasri and Navas aren’t getting any younger, while Sane is only 20, so it’s clear that Guardiola wants the youthful exuberance to take the club forward.

While summer signing Nolito is an ageing winger, his arrival was to bridge the gap between manager and player due to the two knowing each other well from their Barcelona days. Sterling is young enough to turn his career his around, while Sane could become a real heavyweight under Guardiola given the years he’d have to develop. Man City are 5/2 to win the Premier League this season under the talented Spanish coach, but what will Guardiola do with the wingers?