What Now for Sadio Mane?
From a personal point of view, last season couldn’t have been much better for Liverpool’s Senegal international forward, Sadio Mane. The former Southampton man was his usual consistent self while aiding his Anfield side to a FA and Carabao Cup double though he did just miss out on Premier and Champions League triumphs.
On top of this, the wily attacker helped Senegal to an African Nations Cup triumph and played a key role in getting his country to the 2022 World Cup finals, and now he has a decision to make.
There is speculation that the 30-year-old may be tempted by a move to German giants Bayern Munich this summer. Those who place their wagers via the best bookies for free bets may now want to back the very real possibility that Mane may well elect to move to the Allianz Arena in the coming weeks.
Mane has a year to run on his current Liverpool and may feel he has achieved everything he set out to whilst on Merseyside, and the chance to lead the line at Bayern Munich could be very tempting indeed.
Robert Lewandowski has reportedly asked to leave the Bundesliga title holders, and that would pave the way for Mane to fill the Polish international’s spot. Jurgen Klopp would be loath to lose the experienced attacker but may be powerless to stop such a deal, given that Liverpool wouldn’t want to see the player leave for free at the end of next season.
They may also feel that Mane has served the club loyally and successfully, enough to warrant following his wishes.
Consistent Performer
Liverpool signed Mane from Southampton in June 2016 for £34m, after he’d done well at the St Mary’s, and throughout six seasons at the club, he’s secured some titles, including a Premier League success, an FA Cup, EFL Cup, and a Champions League triumph back in 2018-19.
He’s formed an excellent pairing with Mohamed Salah and has scored consistently throughout his time at the club. Mane has racked up 120 goals in 269 appearances, with 90 of those coming in the Premier League.
The relative failure of last season, especially how they went right to the wire when pursuing Man City and Real Madrid for the truly big prizes, may have stung Mane, and that could leave Bayern Munich confident of getting their man.
Able Replacements
Perhaps Liverpool is well aware of Mane’s likely departure; after all, they have ready-made replacements for their main attacking areas. Luis Diaz was brought in to beef up the attack in January and has done a great job, and Diogo Jota arguably deserves a prolonged run in the central berth that Mane regularly plays in.
This may lead Liverpool to consider offers for Mane, especially if he makes it clear he is ready to move on this summer.
No doubt Liverpool fans will be saddened by such an exit, but there will certainly be no hard feelings given the service Mane has given the club, and the fact he’d be leaving to join a team outside the Premier League makes such a deal far more likely.
