Erling Haaland's path to Man City could have been smoothed by Vincent Kompany protege

Philippe Sandler’s departure from Manchester City is one of those pieces of transfer business destined to become a forgotten footnote.

But fans might have reason to be grateful for the Dutch defender’s slightly unexpected move back to Feyenoord in his homeland.

A few months from now, City doing Sandler a favour - namely allowing him to move on a free transfer despite the 24-year-old having been contracted to the Etihad Stadium until June - might look like a little judicious grease that was applied to the big wheel at the perfect time.

Three-and-a-half years on from his similarly low-key arrival from PEC Zwolle, Sandler is the latest example of a recruit brought in with an eye on the wider City Football Group who leaves seemingly richer for the experience.

“Many people always think you have to play matches to learn things, but I learned so much in training. I’m very happy and grateful that I was able to work with everyone there,” he told De Telegraaf, having made two senior appearances for the Blues in January 2019 cup ties against Rotherham United and Burton Albion.

He was part of the wider first-team squad as they completed a domestic treble and competed on four fronts during the second half of 2018/19 - not an insignificant feat given the importance Pep Guardiola places upon keeping training sharp throughout a packed schedule.

It is one of the reasons City frequently resist loan enquiries for standout young talents like James McAtee and Josh Wilson-Esbrand. On a day-to-day basis at the City Football Academy, such players can be invaluable in terms of keeping the established stars on their toes.

This was an experience Sandler enjoyed.

“Guardiola expects so much from you. Even if we only do a pass and kick