Barcelona have reportedly identified one of Bayern Munich's star players as a potential addition on a free transfer.
Since the arrival of Hansi Flick as head coach in the summer, the Catalan giants have emerged as genuine contenders to reclaim the La Liga title.
A total of 24 points have been accumulated from their opening nine matches, providing Barcelona with a three-point lead over the defending champions.
Furthermore, 28 goals have been scored during those fixtures, as many as nine more than Los Blancos have netted over the same period.
The financial picture at Barcelona has also improved in recent months ahead of their return to the renovated Camp Nou during the early part of 2025.
Providing that Barcelona continue on their current path and enjoy a prolonged campaign in the Champions League, more wiggle room in the transfer market may emerge next year.
Barcelona considering Sane move
There are several players at Bayern Munich who may soon become free agents courtesy of their respective contractual situations at the Allianz Arena.
Nevertheless, as per Sport, Barcelona officials are taking a firmer interest in Leroy Sane, who will be able to discuss pre-contract agreements as soon as January.
© Imago
The 28-year-old has enjoyed a hugely successful stint with Bayern, contributing 49 goals and 50 assists from his 179 appearances in all competitions.
A total of 23 of those contributions came in Bundesliga and Champions League games during 2023-24, but the Germany international is not regarded as a first-choice pick by new head coach Vincent Kompany.
Just 78 minutes of football across four matches in the aforementioned competitions have been handed to him since the Belgian replaced Thomas Tuchel.
Should the situation continue, it appears highly unlikely that Sane will jump at any chance to renew his contract before the end of the year.
That is despite his original plan being to negotiate fresh terms with Bayern officials having now entered his fifth year at the club.
Who is ahead of him in the pecking order?
In sharp contrast to Sane making no starts in the Bundesliga this season, Serge Gnabry, Jamal Musiala and new arrival Michael Olise have all featured in the first XI on five occasions.
Kingsley Coman could have left Bayern and freed up a space higher up the pecking order, yet the Frenchman has played in all six Bundesliga games, either from the start or as substitute.
Bayern will also want to hand more game time to versatile Mathys Tel at some point in order to convince the Frenchman not to push for a move elsewhere.
Darren Plant
