PEP GUARDIOLA has confirmed Leroy Sane has rejected a new contract – and will leave Manchester City in the next 12 months.
The German international is a long-term target of Bayern Munich and is believed to have set his heart on a move back to his homeland.
However, the Etihad chief says he will only go if Munich can come up with an offer that is suitable – and if not he will see out the final 12 months of his contract.
City valued Sane at around £140million last summer – but will have to drop that now as he has missed the whole of this campaign due to a cruciate knee injury.
Pep said: “Leroy said he doesn’t want to extend, it means he wants to leave and he will leave this summer or next summer.
“The club talked to me three or four times and he’s rejected his contract and he wants to play for another club.
Guardiola was asked if there is still any hope of Sane doing a U-turn and agreeing to stay after all.
He said: “No. Leroy has said he’s rejected the contract and like everyone knows the end of the season we get an agreement he’ll leave.
“If not then he’ll stay one more year and then leave.”
Sane was one of Pep’s first signings after he arrived at the Etihad in 2016 – joining from Schalke for £37m.
Guardiola admits there are no hard feelings – but is sad that it has come to this.
He said: “I’m so disappointed, when we make an offer it’s because we want him, he’s got special quality that is difficult to find.
“We tried before the injury and he rejected it. He has other wishes and I understand, we want players who want to commit and help us achieve our targets.
“But I love him so much, he’s incredible, I’ve nothing against him, he wants another adventure.
“That happens and we’ll help him while he’s here, and focus on the players who want to stay here.”
Sane was on the bench for the 3-0 win over Arsenal after recovering from a cruciate injury that has sidelined him for the whole season.
Guardiola suggested he will still get chances but may have to be patient as there are a lot of players need a game.
He said: “Leroy had a long time out training but he’s training without pain.
“We’ll make a decision based on many reasons. I decide in the moment, the way he’s training,
“Bernardo is so important for us, Phil Foden trained incredibly well and not selected.
“I’m going to try to move the team, some will play more than others and we’ll take a decision.”
