Liverpool were reportedly holding out for £42.5 million for Sadio Mané but ended up accepting a £31.5 million bid from Bayern Munich and Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has now explained why
The German champions had two bids rejected for Mané before their most recent offer was accepted. Sources close to the club described Bayern’s initial attempts to sign the Senegal international as ‘laughable.’
However, according to Romano, Liverpool have chosen to compromise out of respect to Mané. The transfer specialist reports Mané has been actively pushing for a move to Bayern in recent weeks, but has been doing so with respect, so Liverpool are allowing him to leave at a cut price.
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Around £30 million is a fair price for Mané. The 30-year-old enjoyed a fine 2021/22 campaign, scoring 21 goals across the Champions League and Premier League, but signs of decline were evident during the 2020/21 season.
That season, in a poorer Liverpool side, he scored just 11 goals in the Premier League. A decent return, but some way below his high standards. He came back from that difficult season admirably last term, but Liverpool are wise to be cashing in now.
The Reds have already worked hard in the transfer market to replace the departing Mané.
Liverpool fans will be hoping Darwin Nuñez will be able to pick up where Mané left off. Despite being very different players, Nuñez will fill the Mané-shaped vacancy at Liverpool.
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Mané leaves Liverpool having fundamentally established himself as a legend of the club. He’s played a key role in delivering the glory days back to Liverpool after decades of Anguish for the Anfield faithful. He’s won it all at Liverpool: Carabao Cup, FA Cup, Premier League, and Champions League.
Liverpool fans will miss the qualities and endeavour Mané always offered at Anfield. However, they’ll also be looking ahead to a new chapter in Jürgen Klopp’s tenure, as he starts to form a new-look frontline.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Sadio Mane, Liverpool Transfer News & Rumours, Liverpool, Transfers, Bayern Munich