TEAMTALK
Liverpool legend Sadio Mane is a step closer to returning to England with Chelsea after Bayern Munich not only greenlit a sale, but also lined up a superstar replacement, per reports.
It’s fair to say Mane’s maiden season in Munich has not gone to plan. The Senegalese has scored just 12 times in 36 matches for the German giant. He’s not been a regular starter under either Julian Nagelsmann or Thomas Tuchel, while an off-field incident recently marred his reputation.
Mane punched teammate Leroy Sane in the aftermath of Bayern’s 3-0 thumping at the hands of Man City in the Champions League.
Sane was left with a bloodied lip and Mane was subsequently suspended for Bayern’s Bundesliga clash with Hoffenheim and fined roughly €500,000.
But despite his difficult spell in Germany, Mane remains highly thought of elsewhere, specifically in England.
Indeed, the odds-on favourite to become the next Chelsea manager, Mauricio Pochettino, is reportedly dreaming of managing Mane at Stamford Bridge.
Football Insider claimed Pochettino discussed a Mane move during his own negotiations with Chelsea’s hierarchy. Given the Blues’ desperate need for a proven goalscorer, Mane could represent a viable option this summer.
Sky Germany claimed Bayern will cash in on one of their frontline wingers at season’s end. Serge Gnabry and Sadio Mane are the two players on the chopping block, though TEAMtalk have been told it’s Mane who’ll make way.
FI claimed a £30m deal can get a deal for Mane over the line. With Pochettino and by extension Chelsea keen, as well as Bayern being ready to cash in, a move looks there for the making.
However, a club like Bayern rarely leave themselves short and it stands to reason a suitable replacement must be signed before Mane can leave.
