Bayern Munich have finally completed a big move, with Sadio Mane set to join from Liverpool, bringing his six-year spell with the Reds to an end.
Both sides reached an agreement on Friday, with speculation over the forward’s future now seemingly over.
Over the past few weeks, Mane’s future at Liverpool was under major doubt, and this was intensified after the mega capture of Darwin Nunez from Benfica in a club-record deal.
Bayern Munich initially saw their first offer for Mane rejected by Liverpool but an improved bid of 35m was enough to tempt the Reds to sell one of their most influential players.
It could yet turn out to be a shrewd move for the Bundesliga giants, especially with the unending contract saga with want away forward Robert Lewandowski
The Poland international has severally spoken out on his intention to leave Bayern and Barcelona are the frontrunners to land his signature, with the 33-year-old keen on a move.
Bayern Munich have identified Mane as the ideal short-term fix for Lewandowski. Although the Senegalese international is not a natural center forward, he has impressed at Liverpool with his versatility and has impressed severally leading the attack under Jurgen Klopp
Mane leaves Liverpool as a club legend
Mane arrived at Liverpool from Southampton in 2016, joining within the first 12 months of Jurgen Klopp’s reign. He was an integral figure as the club regained their elite status in English football– he won the Champions League in 2019 and played a key role in bringing the club’s 30-year wait for a Premier League title to an end in 2020.
He also won the Club World Cup, Carabao Cup and FA Cup, scoring 120 goals in 269 games across all competitions during his time at Anfield.
There was a growing belief that Mohamed Salah could also push for an exit this summer but the Egyptian did confirm last month that he will remain at the club for at least one more season.
Speaking after news of the deal on Friday, Jamie Carragher took to social media and reacted to Mane leaving Liverpool for Bayern.
“My favourite player of this era, Sadio Mane finally departs. Low maintenance, high performance & never injured! Trophies & goals galore, a true Liverpool Legend. Thank you Sadio”
Mane was part of a famous attacking trio alongside Salah and Roberto Firmino that saw Liverpool claim six trophies since 2015. By this time next summer, that famous trio could yet come to an end, with the possibility of Firmino and Salah leaving as well. Only time will tell how that plays out.
