How Liverpool hierarchy responded to Sadio Mane transfer links to Real Madrid - 7M sport

How Liverpool hierarchy responded to Sadio Mane transfer links to Real Madrid



Posted Thursday, April 02, 2020 by Express.co.uk

How Liverpool hierarchy responded to Sadio Mane transfer links to Real Madrid
Sadio Mane has been linked with a transfer from Liverpool to Real Madrid (Image: GETTY)

Real Madrid have been linked with a move for Liverpool forward Sadio Mane in recent weeks.

The Liverpool hierarchy have reportedly been left surprised by claims the Reds fear losing Sadio Mane to Real Madrid this summer. The Senegal international has become one of club's most-prized assets since arriving at Anfield in 2016 and he remains a key part of their thinking moving forward.

Zinedine Zidane is said to be a huge admirer of Mane and is keen on luring him to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Reports recently claimed that Real Madrid were eyeing a stunning £140million swoop for the winger.

Gareth Bale is expected to be offloaded this summer and Los Blancos are in urgent need of added firepower.

The club are aware that Mane would provide just that after scoring against them in the 2018 Champions League final in Kiev.

Yet claims that Liverpool fear losing Mane to Real Madrid have been received with bemusement by the board at Anfield, according to The Athletic.

They believe Mane is happy and sees his long-term future at the club.

Mane's current deal will run until 2023, but Liverpool have already made it clear they wish to keep him beyond that.

Former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder Steve McManaman believes the rumour is a non-starter.

“Well Real Madrid already have Eden Hazard, they bought Rodrygo last summer and they’ve just invested in Reinier in January, so I’d take a rumour like that with a pinch of salt," he told Horseracing.net.

“Regardless of how the Champions League turns out this season, the best teams in the world at present are the English teams. Real Madrid and Barcelona are not.

“They both want to start again and bring in a few new players because they’ve both had disappointing seasons this year, so they’re both going to start turning their teams over.

“I don’t think there’s any chance of either Sadio Mane or Mohammed Salah going to either Real Madrid or Barcelona.”

Mane would have to force through the move if he was to leave Liverpool.

It's unlikely that he would be prepared to do that given Liverpool's current position where they are regularly competing for trophies.

Jadon Sancho has been earmarked as a player who could arrive at Anfield if Mane or Salah leave.

However it remains crystal clear that Liverpool intend to stick with their current attacking duo and they will not listen to offers.



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