Sadio Mane has reportedly shown interest in joining Bayern Munich this summer, and negotiations have begun between the two clubs.
The Senegal international has had a fantastic season, scoring 23 goals in all competitions for the Reds and helping his country win the Africa Cup of Nations.
Sadio Mane has played a key role in Liverpool’s recovery under Jurgen Klopp, but Sky Sport journalist Florian Plettenberg claims that his time in Merseyside is coming to an end.
The 30-year-old is considering a move, which could be completed in the next three or four weeks given that talks between his representation and Bayern have begun.
Julian Nagelsmann and Hasan Salihamidzic, the German club’s manager and sports director, are looking for a contract for less than €50 million (£43 million).
If he stays, the Senegalese star will undoubtedly continue to be a crucial figure for Klopp, although he is in the final year of his deal at Anfield.
Given the possibility of losing Mane on a free transfer next summer if he does not extend his contract, a big-money offer could be difficult to turn down.
Klopp also has plenty of attacking options, courtesy to Luis Diaz’s outstanding performance in January, as well as Mo Salah, Diogo Jota, Roberto Firmino, and Takumi Minamino.
Mane’s departure would be felt keenly. He’s Liverpool’s best scorer this season, with 23 goals in 50 appearances in all competitions (second only to Salah’s 31 goals).
Sadio Mane since joining Liverpool
So far at Liverpool, Sadio Mane has established himself as one of the top attackers in the world.
Mane joined Liverpool from Southampton in the summer of 2016 and has helped the club win big awards year after year.
After committing his long-term future to the club ahead of the 2018-19 season, the Senegal international scored 26 goals in 50 appearances across all competitions to help the Reds win the Champions League for the first time since his arrival.
Along with colleague Mohamed Salah and Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, he won the Premier League Golden Boot with a total of 22 goals.
He scored 22 goals and added 12 assists in all competitions the following season, earning him the 2019 CAF African Player of the Year award as Jürgen Klopp’s side won the Premier League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup.
Mane, who plays with Salah and Roberto Firmino on the left side of Klopp’s lethal front three, is a versatile attacker who combines fast pace and merciless finishing with great tactical knowledge.
Mane scored in every round of the 2017-18 Champions League, including the final, where Liverpool lost to Real Madrid, and appeared in all 13 of Liverpool’s matches in the competition, as they went one better by beating Tottenham Hotspur a year later.
