'Sane not yet at the top level' - Former Bayern Munich star Podolski says winger has room for improvement

Leroy Sane will prove a superb addition to Bayern Munich's side, according to the club's former striker Lukas Podolski, but the ex-Germany international believes that the winger has more yet to give.

Sane's move to the Bundesliga champions was confirmed at the start of this month, following well over a year of speculation that he would swap Manchester City for Bavaria, with the attacking midfielder penning a long-term deal to seal a return to his home country.

The arrival of the 24-year-old will boost an already fearsome Bayern side that sealed an eighth consecutive domestic crown earlier this year following the resumption of sport after a coronavirus-enforced lay-off and remain in contention for European glory in this season's Champions League.

Speaking ahead of the club's return to continental football next month against Chelsea - in which Sane will be unable to play any part - forward Podolski, who now plays his trade wth Antalyaspor, has backed the ex-Schalke man to impress under Hansi Flick at his new home.

However, the former Germany international - who is the nation's third-most capped player and a World Cup winner in 2014 - also added that he believes Sane still needs to earn greater success than a clutch of English domestic honours before he reaches his full potential.

"They get the best players [at Bayern] and Sane is a great player," Podolski told Sky Germany. [But] of course he still has further potential.

"He has not yet reached the top level. He still needs a bit more experience, a few more seasons. He needs to play regularly with the national team and win a European championship or a World Cup,"

Podolski further praised Flick, who guided Bayern to silverware after he arrived as a mid-season replacement for Niko Kovac, adding: "You can see how they perform under him. Hansi Flick has done a great job."

Bayern will be in Champions League action on August 8 when they host Chelsea, leading 3-0 from the first leg in February, with victory setting up a tie against either Barcelona or Napoli in the quarter-finals in Lisbon.