After six trophy-laden years with the team, Sadio Mane will depart Liverpool this summer because he is “ready” for a fresh experience. Mane has been with the club since 2011, according to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano.
The Senegalese international, who reportedly cost the Reds £34 million to acquire when he joined them from Southampton in 2016 for that amount, has been extensively linked with a move to Bayern Munich, who won the Bundesliga last season.
According to a report from a French publication L’Equipe, it was revealed earlier this week that the forward, who is 30 years old, is very close to agreeing to a three-year deal with the team coached by Julian Nagelsmann.
The move of Mane, who has been a tremendously crucial component of Jurgen Klopp’s side since coming on a five-year agreement, is anticipated to cost Bayern just €30 million (or £25 million).
In addition to rumors regarding the player’s transfer fee, Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic has already met with the player’s agent to show their interest in the player, and Mane has stated that Bayern is an appealing location for him to play in the future.
Recent events have cast doubt on Mane’s ability to continue playing for Liverpool.
When he was asked about his future with the team that finished in second place in the Premier League, he responded by igniting rumors that he would leave the club before the Champions League final on Saturday night against Real Madrid.
“I think the question is a very good question, for now it’ll be difficult for me to answer,” he said. “But for sure I am very focused on the Champions League. Ask me the question after the Champions League, I will answer you.”
Since joining the Reds from Southampton in 2016, Mane has scored 120 goals in 269 matches across all competitions for the club. However, it is looking more and more likely that he will leave Anfield to take over for Robert Lewandowski at the Allianz Arena. Mane has appeared in 269 matches for the Reds.
In March, Sadio Mane’s representative stated unequivocally that there were no contract extension discussions taking on between his client and Liverpool.
“We talk a lot with Liverpool but currently we are not talking about a contract extension,” he told TFM Senegal. “We are waiting for the end of the season.”