All that goes out the window when there's a release clause
If City activates it and writes he+Mendes a fat check it would take a lot of sentiment for him to stay
They just raised 100m+ from selling two rotational wingers, I don't think it's inconceivable they activate the clause
Without Maldini, without Milan, without Ibra, Leao is just another talented kid who can't put it all together.
City can activate it all they want, it's up to Leao to take it or not.
I don't think Sterling and Gabriel are rotational, if they are, then who is the starting LW? I think Grealish and Foden are their starting LWs, and with Haaland there, Mahrez being extended, with Alvarez coming in, who can play as a RW or ST, I'm sure they'll bring in another winger, but, I think there's a good reason to turn City down.
At the end of the day, it's up to Leao. However, now that I've offered my crying theory, I expect the rest of the board to treat it as a fait accompli.