The desire for a ‘new challenge’ convinced Sadio Mane to swap Liverpool for Bayern Munich last summer, but the Senegal legends aspirations have quickly turned sour.
After Bayern failed to sign a like-for-like replacement for Robert Lewandowski, it immediately seemed as if Mane, who scored 120 goals in 269 appearances for Liverpool, would emerge as a pivotal performer within Julian Nagelsmann’s flexible framework at the Allianz Arena.
There was initial promise with Nagelsmann deploying the new arrival in a more central position, but a change in system from the now departed boss coincided with a drop in form. Mane, more an inside forward, was often thrust out to the wing which saw his productivity decline sharply.
Overall, Bayern have failed to play to Mane’s strengths, while injuries have also played a role in an incredibly frustrating season for the 31-year-old. The 2022 African Footballer of the Year has been such a disappointment that Die Roten are seemingly already keen to move on.
Mane has therefore been linked with a move away this summer, with a number of potential candidates a good match…
Mauricio Pochettino clamoured for the signing of Mane during the formative stages of his Tottenham tenure and reports have already emerged of the Argentine requesting the winger’s signature at Chelsea before he’s even been officially confirmed as the Blues’ next boss!
Nevertheless, it isn’t at all surprising for Chelsea to be linked with a player like Mane. However, questions should be asked over whether he fulfils an obvious need. He’s not the out-and-out number nine Pochettino requires, and the Blues have already splurged huge amounts of money to bring wide forwards like of Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke and Raheem Sterling to the club.
Mane is at his best when given the freedom to operate from the inside left position. While he possesses destructive instincts inside the area, he’s not the focal point Poch loves. The Senegalese superstar is a wonderful accessory, however.
Mane admitted the time was right to leave Liverpool last summer, but it may already be the optimal time for a reunion…
The 31-year-old established himself as a modern-day legend at Anfield as he played a key role in the club’s first league title victory in 30 years in 2020, as well as Champions League success in 2019. Mane is adored on the red side of the city and every Liverpool supporter…
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