Wagner urged Klopp to sign ‘extraordinary’ Sane
David Wagner says he made Jurgen Klopp aware of the emergence of Leroy Sane and urged the then-Borussia Dortmund coach to sign the winger.
Huddersfield boss Wagner worked alongside Liverpool manager Klopp at Dortmund, where he was responsible for bringing up-and-coming youngsters to Klopp’s attention.
Sane, though, signed a professional contract with Schalke in 2014, where he impressed sufficiently to earn a £37million move to Manchester City last summer.
Wagner says he was aware of Sane’s progress and he urged Klopp to move for the winger before Schalke secured his services.
“I knew him early,” said Wagner. “He was more of a character because of his age and it was part of my job to mention the big talents of Germany to Jurgen.
“I made him aware of him for the first team of Dortmund, but he signed for Schalke.”
Sane has been in fine form for City since the turn of the year and is likely to face Wagner’s Huddersfield in the FA Cup on Saturday.
Wagner has been thoroughly impressed with Sane’s progress since he moved to the Premier League.
“We should not forget how young he is,” said the German coach. “He’s still a talent and not a finished one.
“What he delivered so far is extraordinary.
“I’m a little bit surprised how consistent he’s been in recent weeks against big competition, but he has every talent, all the skills.
“I can’t speak about his character, but all the talents you need.”