Sadio Mane might join Steven Gerrard, another legendary member of Liverpool, in Al-Ettifaq as the Saudi Pro League continues to woo some of the biggest names in sports.
According to reports, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the Saudi Arabian government’s sovereign wealth fund, “dreams” of sending Mane to Al-Ettifaq, who are rumored to want to choose Gerrard as their next manager.
The Senegalese could be available for transfer after a tough first season at Bayern Munich. The 31-year-old joined the German giants last summer in a £35m deal from Liverpool, where he scored 120 goals in 269 across six trophy-laden seasons.
According to a Sports Zone report, Sadio Mane is being released by Bayern Munich. The Senegalese player has previously been made available to clubs in Paris, Madrid, and England; however, attempts to reach them have been fruitless.
The youngster has received a sizable Saudi offer as well. The PIF hopes to move him to Al-Ettifaq, where he would join Steven Gerrard. If he decides to join the championship, he also has the hand and the ability to sign practically anywhere else.
Karim Benzema, the current Ballon d’Or holder, has joined his former Real Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League which, backed by PIF, are aiming to make high-profile additions both on and off the field.
Whether Mane joins the legendary duo remains to be seen. He has been linked with a return to the Premier League, with both Chelsea and Newcastle United reported to hold an interest.
Mane led Bayern to the Bundesliga and DFL-Supercup titles this season with 12 goals in 38 games. However, after a strong beginning, he had an injury in November that prevented him from working for more than three months and prevented him from competing for Senegal in the World Cup.
Upon his comeback, he managed just one goal in his final 15 games of the season, and when Bayern Munich lost to eventual champion Manchester City in the Champions League, he was suspended and fined for allegedly punching teammate Leroy Sane.
Liverpool told to pay over £70m if they want to sign 21-y/o star this summer
According to reports, Liverpool will need to fork over more than £70 million to get Moises Caicedo after Brighton & Hove Albion raised the midfielder’s asking price.
The Seagulls are reportedly unwilling to let the 21-year-old depart for the same price Caicedo was worth in the January transfer window, when Arsenal made two unsuccessful efforts to sign the Ecuadorian international for north London.
Liverpool have already landed Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton this summer in a deal believed to be worth £55m, and the Reds could now move to Caicedo as Jurgen Klopp looks to overhaul his midfield ahead of the new Premier League season.
The South American was one of the standout players of the 2022–23 season, and given Liverpool’s desire to add a new midfielder to complement Mac Allister, Caicedo is an easy choice given his exceptional abilities and potential.
However, Liverpool may now face significant difficulties as a result of Brighton’s asking price. Financially strapped due to the Reds’ failure to qualify for the UEFA Champions League, a move for Caicedo may now be futile given the Seagulls’ new asking price for their top player.
Liverpool could have to sell before they can consider Caicedo move
With Brighton already losing Mac Allister and Liverpool only having a certain amount of money to spend, Caicedo is well on his way to becoming one of the top midfielders in Europe. The south coast club is therefore within their rights to demand everything they want for the 21-year-old.
The Anfield team is already trying to shed a number of periphery players to help balance their payroll and finance much-needed acquisitions, so the Reds may have to sell before they can make a firm bid for Caicedo.