You do not buy a player just to prevent your rivals from getting them. It is not a sustainable business plan. Sanchez made sense in the summer and for the right price would have this month. But his wage demands break our squad harmony as he would be on so much more than anyone else. His outlook has clearly changed. 29 year old desperate for a long contract and huge wages.
If he does play poorly they are stuck with an expensive bench warmer. If he plays well then fine, but he doesn't have a long career there and he keeps their younger players out the side to their detriment.
We have cash to go big for the next big thing that like Sane, Jesus, Sterling and Bernardo have plenty of talent now and will only get better under Pep's coaching. You look at Sterling this season and how he has improved thanks to Pep and the introduction of Walker. Mendy gives Sane the ability to also get into central areas for a more balanced attack next season.
We are top of the league and Sanchez might close the gap but it should not stop us this season. Then in the summer we can improve further to widen it. The rags have players that can improve but Mourinho is what he is, defence first and the league is not what it was when he was at Chelsea. They can compete more closely with us but we have so many players that will get better and better.
Need to get cover in defence, defensive midfield and another striker if Aguero is allowed to go. But Ederson, Walker, Otamendi, Stones, Mendy, De Bruyne, Sane, Sterling, Jesus, Bernardo will all continue to improve.
Not time to panic just because we have decided to withdraw interest in Sanchez.