I wouldn't spend that kind of money on a player because someone is out for 8 weeks. I would've looked to see how Phil Foden or Brahim Diaz do before possibly settling on a cheaper option as cover, but since Sane's injury happened so late in the month they didn't really have that luxury.
I don't necessarily agree with it but I understand Guardiola's thinking, no matter what we may think of spending £60m on a squad player.
This isn’t a “justification” post, moreso one that is trying to explain the Mahrez interest as being something that isn’t as short term as simply going for him just because Sane is injured.
The way I see it is that he’s an alternative to Sanchez. As we all know, City were after another attacker by virtue of a long-term interest in Sanchez and we were all conditioned - both City and Arsenal fans alike - to thinking him signing for City was pretty much a formality until United came in for him. So it’s not unreasonable to think that the club switched targets to Mahrez. It’s rumoured that they made enquiries earlier in the window - possibly after Sanchez fell through but before Sane got injured - and perhaps Sane’s injury has impacted on the urgency to try and get the deal done this month but it won’t be the only reason.
Do we need him? In fairness, it’s not just opposition fans asking that question. 2 of my mates texted me yesterday and asked exactly that, and personally I see Laporte as being a more important signing. However, we do only have 2 genuine wingers in the squad - one of whom is injured for possibly the next 6 weeks - and we’re still in 4 competitions. The likes of Foden and Diaz aren’t genuine wingers and in any case I think Foden is still injured.