Sadio Mane has ‘decided to leave Liverpool this summer’, it has emerged the day after Champions League final heartbreak.
The Reds fell to Real Madrid at the final hurdle, courtesy of a Vinicius Junior goal that ultimately proved decisive. Los Blancos were bailed out on multiple occasions by Thibaut Courtios, who picked up man of the match, but nonetheless never looked like getting close to their imperious best amid an occasion marred by ugly scenes outside the ground.
For Mane, it could well have been his last game in a Liverpool shirt, with reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano claiming that he is ‘ready for a new experience’ after six years with Jurgen Klopp’s side.
He has been heavily linked with Bayern Munich this summer, as a potential replacement for Robert Lewandowski should the Pole end up at Barcelona.
Sadio Mané has decided to leave Liverpool this summer 🚨🔴 #LFC
He’s ready for a new experience after many special years with Reds – it will be confirmed to the club.
FC Bayern are strong contenders – but it’s still open and not completed as Sadio wanted to wait for the final. pic.twitter.com/hr6R5NmuZ0
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 29, 2022
What has Mane said?
Sadio Mane has just one year left on his current contract, alongside fellow forwards Mo Salah and Roberto Firmino.
While Salah has confirmed that he will be at Liverpool next season, before potentially leaving on a free transfer when his contract runs out, Sadio Mane has been far less clear on the matter.
‘There will be new discussions at the end of the season. I’ll answer after Champions League final’, he claimed.
🗣 “I’m going to answer after the Champions League.”
Sadio Mané responds to being asked about his future at Liverpool. 👀 pic.twitter.com/YWx3WA4pfq
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) May 25, 2022
And while understandably there was no comment on his future immediately after the final heartbreak, it seems as though behind the scenes a departure has been decided upon.