Sadio Mane's decision to push for a Liverpool exit following another successful season might have some Reds fans scratching their heads.
The Senegal international has emerged as one of Europe's most lethal forwards since signing for Jurgen Klopp's side in the summer of 2016. Mane has consistently delivered as a member of Liverpool's famous front three for the past six seasons, and has excelled in recent months in a new centre-forward role following the arrival of Luis Diaz.
The forward helped the Reds end their 30-year wait for a top-flight title with their Premier League victory in 2020, while also helping the club to Champions League success the previous year. However, with just one year left on his contract, Mane is widely reported to be pushing for a transfer this summer to find a new challenge.
Following an impressive start to life on Merseyside, the former Southampton star committed to a new long-term contract in November 2018. Mane had been named the club’s Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year following an impressive debut campaign.
While the reasons behind Mane's reported decision to leave Anfield this summer remain somewhat unclear, perhaps the biggest hint can be found in his comments after signing this long-term contract. Discussing his decision to commit to Liverpool until the summer of 2024, the forward revealed the three reasons which led to him becoming 'very happy' at the club; pointing to the right club, the right moment and the right coach.
Mane told the club's website: “I am very happy, very happy to extend my time at Liverpool. It is a great day for me and now I am looking forward to everything – to helping the team, to helping the club achieve our dreams and, especially, to win trophies.
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“I’ve always said, when I knew I had a chance to come here I didn’t have to think twice. The right club in the right moment and with the right coach as well. I came here and was very happy. For me, I have made the best decision in my career.”
Bayern Munich are considered the most likely destination for Mane this summer, with the futures of Serge Gnabry and Robert Lewandowski currently in doubt. Liverpool are reportedly prepared to sell the forward if a bid in the region of £35 million is lodged in the upcoming window.
Mane was not prepared to answer questions over his own future as Liverpool prepared for Saturday's Champions League final clash with Real Madrid. Klopp himself dismissed the rumours linking Bayern Munich with the attacker ahead of kick-off.
He told Sky Sports: "It's not the first time Bayern Munich rumours come up before a big game so no problems at all. The Bayern Munich rumours, I couldn't care less. Sadio is completely focused on the game and he knows how important it is for him and us. Sadio is in the shape of this life, for sure. It's a joy to watch him training and in games. We ask him a lot and football has asked him a lot with a lot of finals."
