The Sun believes that there are growing concerns in the Liverpool ranks that Sadio Mane could leave the club at the end of the season. The forward has not yet indicated that he would be open to signing a new contract with the club and that could pave the way for his departure.
Real Madrid and PSG have both shown an interest in his services. Zidane may need to bolster his squad in the upcoming transfer window, and Mane could be a vital addition to his team. The report also states that Mane could be a part of a swap deal involving Mbappe coming to the Merseyside club.
Mane’s influence at Liverpool
The record books could say that Salah has been the most dominant force for the Reds over the past couple of seasons. Indeed, the Egyptian has scored numerous goals across all competitions and produced moments of magic that has stunned the world football. However, if one sees the Anfield side in action, Mane’s influence at the club would come to their immediate notice.
The Senegalese forward has made the left-wing his own, running down the flanks with his blistering pace. He has beaten defenders with his sheer speed, although his dribbling skills are also praiseworthy. Most importantly, Mane’s tendency to cut inside and take a shot at the goal has made this Liverpool team such a dangerous outfit. The ex-Southampton man epitomises the philosophy that Klopp has wanted to implement at the club, and that is what makes him such a vital man in the team.
This season, the 28-year-old has scored 14 goals and assisted his teammates seven times. Mane’s unselfish nature has meant that he does not think twice before passing the ball to a better-positioned teammate, although he has the capability to put the ball inside the net. Statistically, this term he has raked up a figure of 1.9 dribbles 1.6 key passes and 2.2 shots on average per game in the Premier League. Although he has completed only 81% of his passes, it should not be forgotten that most of those passes have been attempted in the final third.
How would he fit in at Real Madrid?
Last season the Madrid side brought in Hazard to operate from the left. The Belgian has not justified his reputation with his displays, although he seems to be getting better after the restart. Bringing in Mane would mean that Hazard’s chances would be limited in the side.
While the ex-Chelsea man prefers to keep the ball at his feet for a longer time and work his way up in a slow build-up, Mane is quite different. The Senegal international has blistering pace and a certain directness, which had been last seen in the Ronaldo era. Zidane could have a new dimension to his side if Los Blancos can rope the Liverpool man this summer.
Although, there is no denying the fact that Hazard is a world-class player, at present Mane could get the nod ahead of the 29-year-old. The inclusion of the Liverpool star in the side would also benefit Benzema, and the French forward’s performance could vastly improve.
Stats from Whoscored.
