Club chief reveals Manchester City have right of first refusal for player as well as buy-back clause

Feyenoord chief Frank Arnesen has revealed Manchester City have an option to bring Philippe Sandler back to the club in future.

Sandler brought an end to a three-year stay at Manchester City on deadline day of the January transfer window when he completed a free transfer to the Dutch side.

It brought an end to a disappointing spell with City, who he joined from PEC Zwolle in 2018 but only two senior appearances for in that time.

He’s spent most of the last three years on loan with the likes of Anderlecht and Troyes but faced frustration there, too, as injuries limited him to 11 and two appearances for either side.

Because of that, it was no surprise that Manchester City were willing to let him go, although the decision to sanction a free transfer will have raised some eyebrows.

City are not a side that usually do such deals, particularly for younger players who could yet develop.

And it seems they weren’t on this occasion either, with Arnesen revealing Pep Guardiola and co have kept their options open with various clauses.

“Philippe Sandler was free transfer and a godsend,” he told Eindhoven Dagblad.

“We have an option to keep him for one or two more seasons from next summer. Manchester City has the right to buy him back.

“And if a club ever wants to take him over and makes an offer, then City can put down the same amount and make sure he returns there.”