If a report from Goal is believed to be true, Liverpool winger Sadio Mane is open to leaving the club in favour of Barcelona or Real Madrid. His current deal expires in the summer of 2023 and the Reds are yet to negotiate a contract extension with the red-hot Senegalese.
The 29-year-old attacker has rejoined the group after guiding his nation towards the first-ever AFCON glory. Senegal edged out Mohamed Salah’s Egypt in the tie-breaker and Mane, despite wasting a spot-kick early into the game, showed great courage and determination to convert the decisive penalty under immense pressure.
Liverpool, meanwhile, secured the services of Luis Diaz from Porto for a fee of around £37.5m (with £12.5m add-ons). The Colombian, 25, holds all the traits to make it big in Merseyside and his mastery down the left-hand flank might see him succeeding Mane in the long run. The Reds, therefore, have a decision to make in the upcoming summer window.
Mane completed a £34m move to Liverpool from Southampton back in June 2016. He was an instant hit under Jurgen Klopp and eventually went on to win the prestigious UEFA Champions League, Premier League, Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup for the Merseysiders. He is still irreplaceable with his pace, flair, swift skills and finishing traits, but the childhood dream of representing one of the La Liga giants would be fulfilled if a transfer takes place in the due course of time.
Why Liverpool Must Make The Call
Liverpool are yet to reach an agreement with Mohamed Salah who has been a revelation high up the pitch. Mane, too, is enjoying a productive run with 10 goals in 26 appearances across competitions, but the ageing core of the first-team squad must be replaced before it gets too late to recover. Diogo Jota has already cemented a first-team status ahead of Roberto Firmino and the arrival of Diaz might have jeopardized the Anfield future of the Africa Cup of Nations Player of the Tournament.
Having said that, the Reds must not rush a decision without restoring stability in the attacking third. Diaz might take a while to attune to the demands of Premier League football and the whole situation would be more vivid by the closure of the current term. Mane still has a resale value in the transfer market and Liverpool, given their shrewd business model, should opt for a financial profit over losing him for nothing next summer.
