One of Liverpool’s deadly front three, Sadio Mane, has decided to switch Anfield for the Allianz arena after a £35m fee (plus add-ons) was agreed for the attacker.
The 30-year-old, alongside his fellow African , Mo Salah, have had speculation surrounding their future after they lost the Champions League final to Real Madrid.
The 2019 African footballer of the year who scored 16 goals and provided 4 assists in the just concluded 21/22 premier league season, has agreed to join Bayern Munich.
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We examine 3 things that might have influenced Mane’s change of mind about the club he loves.
1. To gain the recognition he deserves
Even after helping Liverpool ended their 30-year wait for a first premier league title in the 19/20 season and winning the champions league the season before, Mane did not still get the kind of ovation and accolades he deserves.
After such an impressive season, he finally won Senegal the nation’s cup trophy in February after many years of agony; he was still not considered for a place in the top 3 shortlist for the FIFA Balloon d’Or award.
In 2019, Lionel Messi told Canal+ that “it is a shame to see Mane finished fourth” after such an impressive year.
A move to Munich might see him gain more attention and maybe win the coveted Balloon D’or prize one day.
2. Make more money
Mane has been instrumental for Liverpool FC on many occasions, digging them out of difficult situations and scoring crucial goals.
Despite all of these, Mane earns a meagre £100,000 per week. This contrasts with fringe and injury-prone players like Oxlade Chamberlain and Naby Keita who earn more than the goal machine (£120,000). To his credit, Mane has 111 premier league goals (90 for Liverpool FC) and 38 assists in 263 premier league games.
Mane’s work rate cannot be questioned, his contribution to Liverpool’s success is never in doubt, however, he deserved more compensation for his services, and Liverpool did not provide him with that.
However, according to the Mirror, Bayern Munich has reportedly agreed to offer the Senegalese forward a weekly wage of about £250,000.
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3. Time for a new challenge
Mane has won almost everything that needs to be won in English football; the league cup, the FA cup, the premier league, and the golden boot in the 2018/19 premier league season.
Bayern Munich will offer him a fresh challenge, and you can trust Mane to adjust very quickly to his new environment.
Without a doubt, Mane will be missed by Liverpool. However, Luis Diaz has been a phenomenal signing for the Merseyside club, and the arrival of Darwin Nunez from Benfica might also help cushion the effect of Mane’s absence in the squad.
Will Liverpool regret allowing one of their star players to join the Bavarian giants? Only time will tell.
