Pep willingly let him leave the club but it seems he made a huge mistake. The City boss is now desperately trying to get him back

Pep Guardiola’s decision to let Leroy Sane leave Manchester City in 2020 seemed understandable at the time. Sane, plagued by injuries and seeking a fresh start, returned to Germany with Bayern Munich in a high-profile move. Yet, just a few years later, Pep appears to be reconsidering that choice — and it might be one of his biggest regrets.

After a rocky patch of form that saw Manchester City stumble in the Premier League this season, back-to-back wins against Leicester City and West Ham have reignited their top-four hopes. However, deep-rooted squad issues remain, particularly with injuries piling up across key positions.

Reports suggest City are planning a major £120 million investment in the January transfer window to strengthen the squad. Surprisingly, amid big-name targets, a familiar face has emerged — Leroy Sane.

According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Manchester City are exploring a sensational return for their former winger. Sane, now entering the final six months of his Bayern Munich contract, is attracting significant interest from several top Premier League clubs.

The German international was a standout figure during his first spell at City. Signed from Schalke for £37 million in 2016, Sane dazzled fans with his speed, creativity, and goal-scoring prowess, netting 39 goals across 135 appearances. He was instrumental in helping the club secure back-to-back Premier League titles and an FA Cup.

However, injuries disrupted his momentum, and the opportunity to return home to Bayern Munich seemed logical. Sane enjoyed success in Germany, winning three Bundesliga titles. Still, his journey hasn’t been as smooth as many predicted.

This season, under former teammate Vincent Kompany, Sane’s role at Bayern has diminished. With just seven starts in 17 matches across the Bundesliga and Champions League, and only five goals to his name, questions about his long-term future have surfaced.

Sane’s current contract situation means he is free to negotiate with foreign clubs. Besides Manchester City, heavyweights like Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea are also keeping close tabs on the winger’s next move.

Despite the passage of time, Sane remains a fan favorite at the Etihad Stadium. His thrilling performances, flair, and knack for delivering in big matches left an indelible mark on the City faithful. Guardiola, too, has been vocal about the high regard in which he holds Sane, once crediting him for reaching an elite level under his guidance.

During City’s Champions League clash against Bayern in 2023, Guardiola was seen offering words of encouragement to Sane after a tough game — a sign of the deep respect between the two.

Nonetheless, bringing Sane back won’t be a straightforward decision. Guardiola recently stressed in a press conference that the January window poses major challenges. “I don’t know right now,” he said when asked about possible signings. “It’s not easy, it will not be easy. Maybe we’ll sign, or maybe we don’t sign anyone.”

He further added, “The club has to be wise, don’t do it for doing it, just to add players. For the situation we have — players consistently injured — of course the club must act, but it’s not guaranteed.”

The idea of reuniting with Sane carries both excitement and risk. On one hand, his proven quality, deep understanding of Guardiola’s tactical demands, and familiarity with the club’s culture make him an attractive option. On the other hand, concerns linger regarding his recent inconsistency and the intense competition for attacking places at City.

With stars like Erling Haaland, Julian Alvarez, Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, and Jack Grealish already in the squad, fitting Sane back into the rotation would require delicate management.

Moreover, questions persist about whether Sane can rediscover his best form. His time at Bayern has been a mixture of brilliance and frustration, and he would need to hit the ground running to justify such a bold move.

Despite the obstacles, the potential reunion has captivated fans and pundits alike. It would mark a nostalgic yet strategic gamble — a return to a formula that once delivered spectacular success for both player and club.

As City gear up for a challenging second half of the season, Pep Guardiola faces pivotal decisions. The squad needs rejuvenation, but the moves must be surgical, not sentimental. Whether or not Sane’s second coming will materialize remains to be seen.

The coming weeks will be crucial. If City formally approach Sane and strike a deal, it could be a major turning point, not just for the club’s season but possibly for Guardiola’s longer-term plans too.

It’s a situation loaded with emotion, strategy, and a hint of regret — a reminder that in football, some goodbyes are never truly final.

For Manchester City, and for Leroy Sane, destiny may just be offering a second chance.