Liverpool told Sadio Mane transfer to Real Madrid is 'possible' for one reason

Posted Saturday, January 04, 2020 by Express.co.uk

Liverpool told Sadio Mane transfer to Real Madrid is 'possible' for one reason
Real Madrid have recently been linked with a move for Sadio Mane (Image: GETTY)

Real Madrid have recently linked with a stunning move for Liverpool's Sadio Mane.

Sadio Mane may be enjoying the best spell of his career at Liverpool and on the verge of winning the Premier League, but Steve Nicol wouldn't put it past the winger to join Real Madrid in the near future. Recent rumours surfaced about Real's supposed interest in Mane with some even suggesting Zinedine Zidane has made contact with the Senegal international on the matter.

Any transfer would likely take an astronomical offer from the La Liga giants for Liverpool to even consider selling Mane.

The 27-year-old has been in terrific form over the past 18 months, helping Liverpool win the 2019 Champions League and putting the club in prime position for their first top flight title since 1990.

He has established one of the most potent attacking front lines in world football alongside Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino.

And Mane also recently finished fourth in the voting for the Ballon d'Or, just behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Liverpool team-mate Virgil van Dijk.

Still, the recent rumours linking him with Real have concerned some Liverpool fans given what some players have done in the past.

Both Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho had their heads turned when Barcelona came calling while Xabi Alonso traded Anfield for the Bernabeu back in 2009.

Liverpool were in a far different place back then as to where they are now in terms of being world champions and closing in on a maiden Premier League title.

But Nicol, who won four league titles with Liverpool during his playing career, believes Mane could potentially be swayed by an approach from Real.

"When it comes to Real Madrid, anything's possible," he said on ESPN FC.

"Players when they're linked with Real Madrid, their eyes light up.

"The question is - what's this guy all about?

"If he's thinking about his career on the field of play, he's staying with Liverpool because Liverpool will win the Premier League title this year and could do for some years to come.

"They're certainly going to be challenging in the Champions League.

"If that's what he's all about then he stays but if it's the whole 'Real Madrid thing' then it's possible.

"If they, as they normally do when they want something they come up with the money, I don't think this is beyond the realm of possibility.

"It's not happening in the summer but after that I wouldn't count it out."