Depending on the media outlet you get your football news from and the time of day, it is believed Liverpool are nearing an agreement with Bayern Munich to sell want-away forward Sadio Mane.
The consensus from supporters is that Mane is a massive player, but if he wants to leave, then cash-in on him now. The club may not feel the same way, however.
Liverpool have taken the stance over the last few seasons that if a player leaves on a free transfer, then so be it. The Reds won’t be held to ransom by a player like Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho once did.
For the most part, it feels like the Mane saga is a formality. Liverpool now have more reason to sell Mane after signing Darwin Nunez from Benfica. Selling Mane would cover a large chunk of the money being sent to Benfica.
Bayern Munich have dragged their feet on a deal for Mane. The Germans have tried to get a bargain for one of the world’s best forwards. A laughable initial bid was put into the Anfielders that included £9 million in very difficult to obtain add-ons – including Mane winning the Balon d’Or.
Liverpool have the leverage in any deal with Bayern Munich. The Reds can simply hang onto Mane for one more season and play him if they choose. Or Liverpool can sell him for the price they feel meets their valuation.
Right now, Liverpool want £42 million for Mane. Bayern Munich have reportedly offered £34.6m with £30m up front. Although the two teams are still a way a part, they are getting close. It is unlikely Liverpool will get £42m for Mane, but around £35m would be excellent business.
Mane has been immense for Liverpool and has proven himself just as important, if not more, than Mohamed Salah. The Senegalese international is valued a £63m by Transfermarkt.
He scored 23 goals in 51 games last season for Liverpool. Five assists were added by the forward. While Salah exploded out of the gates last term, it was Mane that carried the attack in the second half of campaign when the Egyptian fall off the pace.
Diogo Jota’s goals also dried up in the second half of the campaign. Who was there for the Reds? Mane, of course. And this is the crux of the problem. Mane feels like Liverpool do not value him.
The talk of Salah getting a new contract and the arrival of Luis Diaz has caused Mane to feel left out by the club. It is unfortunate, especially as Mane will be considered a club legend for what he has done at Anfield. Mane has played 269 times for Liverpool scoring 120 goals and assisting 48.
Liverpool signed Mane for £37.08m in 2016 from Southampton. It was a large fee at the time, but six seasons later, it looks like an absolute steal. Liverpool could sell Mane for the same, or nearly the same, amount they paid for him. That is a good deal if sporting director Julian Ward can pull it off.
Mane’s trophy haul at Liverpool has been fantastic: Premier League title, FA Cup, EFL Cup, UEFA Super Cup, Champions League (two Champions League runners-up medals), and a FIFA Club World Cup trophy.
He will be missed, but as Liverpool have proven since Fenway Sports Group’s arrival, they can replace stars with players that are just as good, if not better.
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