Liverpool are ready to sell Sadio Mane this summer, but won’t accept less than their valuation of the 30-year-old.
That’s according to The Athletic this morning. They claim that ‘senior sources’ at Liverpool have dismissed the suggestion that Bayern Munich could secure Mane’s signing for around £25.5m.
Instead, The Reds reportedly value their number 10 at £42.5m. It’s claimed that Liverpool would rather lose Mane for nothing in a years time than sell him under-value.
Liverpool would also reportedly have needed to ensure a ‘suitable replacement’ was brought it prior to letting the Senegal international leave.
The end of an era
It’s the news that all Liverpool fans were dreading off the back of a tumultuous week for the club.
Having narrowly missed out on the Premier League title the previous week, Liverpool suffered heartbreak in Paris against Real Madrid.
UEFA MUST STOP! NEW CHAMPIONS LEAGUE COULD RUIN FOOTBALL
Perhaps the most galling of all though, is the confirmation that came yesterday.
Mane had previously claimed that he would speak about his future once the Champions League final dust had settled. Although the player is yet to speak out publicly, the reports of his wishes to leave are pretty damning.
After 269 games, 120 goals and six major trophies, it really does look like Sadio Mane will be on his way this summer.
For many, he has been the symbol of the Jurgen Klopp era – the man who kickstarted it all. As Jamie Carragher pointed out in The Telegraph, he is world-class. His departure will be met with disappointment and sadness across the fanbase.
The Show must go on
However, the show must go on. Although Mane may have made his mind up, the club are well within their rights to expect a fair price for a player who has been receiving Ballon d’Or shouts this season.
The worry is that the negotiations sour what has been a brilliant Liverpool career for Mane.
Hopefully a swift resolution can be found and Liverpool get both their asking price, as well as a top-class replacement.
Thanks for everything Sadio. Watch out for Carragher lurking with intent at the departure lounge!