Despite his future hanging in the balance, Liverpool star Sadio Mane has taken some time out to return to his roots in Senegal.
The forward has reportedly told the Reds that he wants to leave this summer, and the club are not going to stand in his way given that the winger's contract expires in 2023 and thus it is their last chance to cash in given that an extension now seems off the table. Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich have reportedly been in talks with Liverpool, though the clubs are yet to reach an agreement on a transfer fee.
The Reds are thought to be looking hoping to receive approximately £35million for Mane. Though whether Bayern are willing to pay that amount knowing that they can sign the player on a free transfer next summer remains to be seen.
But the ultimatum is certainly not on the mind of Mane, who has returned to his birth village of Bambali in Senegal to take part in a match with several other former Premier League players. The former Southampton star posted a snap of him on his Instagram playing on the muddy pitch along with a clip of him amongst his teammates waiting for a throw-in to be taken.
Former Liverpool star El Hadji Diouf also played in the match, as well as former Newcastle star Papiss Cisse and last season’s West Brom loanee Mbaye Diagne. Mane captioned the post: “Back to the source with a gala match on the Bambali pitch where it all started!!!
“A big thank you to my brothers.” Amongst the caption, there was a series of high-fiving emojis, smiley faces and a lion. The post has received almost a million likes, with eight thousand people commenting.
Mane is set to be a significant loss for Liverpool next season given that he has been one of the best players at the club since arriving from Southampton in 2016. The 30-year-old scored 16 in 32 league appearances last season, also scoring five in the Champions League as well.
But Jurgen Klopp’s side has acted quickly to soften the blow of his imminent departure, splashing out to secure the signature of Darwin Nunez. The Uruguayan striker was one of the most sought-after stars of this summer, but the Reds acted quickly to strike a £64million deal with Benfica – though that fee could rise by a further £21m. Nunez scored 26 in 28 for the Portuguese side last season, and at just 22 years old, his good form caught the attention of numerous top European clubs.
Bayern are hoping too that they can sign Mane to reduce the impact of one of their stars departing – Robert Lewandowski. The striker has been vocal in his desire to leave the Allianz Arena outfit this summer, with Barcelona pressing to sign the Poland international. The arrival of Nunez somewhat greenlights Mane’s departure, but Liverpool aren’t for budging and reports that they have already rejected a bid from Bayern proves that.
