Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

Sadio Mane explains easy decision to ditch Liverpool, as Bayern Munich make play for Man Utd target next

Sadio Mane, Joel Matip Liverpool 2022

Sadio Mane has broken the silence on his imminent Liverpool exit, while Bayern Munich will quickly turn their attention to signing a Man Utd target next, per reports.

The Senegal ace, 30, is poised to conclude his Anfield tenure at the six-year mark. Sadio Mane has agreed personal terms with Bayern Munich and was spotted wearing the club’s training kit on Tuesday after undertaking a medical.

Liverpool will receive an initial £27.4m with a further £7.7m potentially making its way to Merseyside pending add-ons. In total, the Reds could generate £35.1m.

Speaking to German outlet Bild about the impending move, Mane declared his immediate excitement once he knew Bayern’s interest was genuine.

What’s more, he described the German side as the “right club at the right time”, thus indicating it was an easy decision to swap Liverpool for Bayern.

“When my agent first told me about Bayern’s interest, I was immediately excited,” Mane told Bild.

“I saw myself there right away. For me it was the right club at the right time.

“It’s one of the biggest clubs in the world and the team is always fighting for every title. So for me it was a very good idea and the right decision to come here.”

Sadio Mane, Liverpool forward, warms up before the Premier League match at Turf Moor, Burnley

Regarding interest from other clubs, Mane admitted: “My agent told me that there were enquiries from other clubs. That’s part of the business.

“But I got the feeling right away when Bayern presented their plan to me. I found myself in Bayern’s plan more than anyone else.”

An official announcement could come as early as today. With Mane on the way, Bayern will quickly turn their attention to revamping their midfield.

Man Utd target to follow Sadio Mane?

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the next player in their crosshairs is Manchester United target, Konrad Laimer.

The Austria international plies his trade for RB Leipzig and was first mentioned alongside a move to Old Trafford during Ralf Rangnick’s time at the club. The former United boss managed Laimer during their time together at Leipzig.

Laimer would represent a solid addition to United’s engine room. That is the area they have fallen furthest behind their rivals in recent times.

Despite Rangnick’s exit, United reportedly remain in the frame to bring Laimer on board. Club scouts were recently in attendance to watch both he and Christian Eriksen in a Nations League contest between Austria and Denmark.

However, Romano noted Laimer has the same agents as Mane and is the next big name in Bayern’s sights. While it’s acknowledged a deal with Leipzig will be difficult, manager Julian Nagelsmann is reportedly determined to land the midfielder.

Man Utd midfield still up in the air

The Red Devils’ primary midfield target remains Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong. But with that deal dragging on, other targets are quickly moving off the market.

Christian Eriksen has reportedly rejected a contract offer to move to Old Trafford. With Mane’s deal imminent, a Laimer move will come into focus at Bayern and the Austrian could soon be out of play too.

While settling for just De Jong wouldn’t be a disaster, United’s midfield does have the look of a department that requires two additions.

Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic will both leave. James Garner could be given a chance to impress, though the step up from the Championship to the Premier League cannot be overlooked.