Mane to have Liverpool medical
According to reports from Andy Hunter of The Guardian; Liverpool have agreed a deal with Southampton for forward Sadio Mane believed to be around £34 million. The 24-year-old is set to have a medical at Melwood, with the deal is expected to be announced on Tuesday. The fee for the versatile forward could rise as high as £36 million, making him potentially Liverpool’s most expensive signing ever. It was initially believed that the Saints wanted nearer £40 million for the Senegalese forward.
Mane is the fifth player to join the Reds from Southampton in the past two years. The previous four have had differing success: Nathaniel Clyne had a very consistent first season, whereas Adam Lallana and Dejan Lovren have improved after disappointing first seasons at the club. Rickie Lambert struggled to make an impact, and has since departed the club. It again looks as if the Saints are going to have another summer of losing their star players. Midfielder Victor Wanyama has already left, as he was sold to Tottenham.
Mane scored three times against Liverpool last season and his electrifying performances certainly brought him to Jurgen Klopp‘s attention. The Senegalese forward has long been a target for Klopp, who has been interested in the attacker since his time at Red Bull Salzburg.
Mane’s club career
The 24-year-old began his career at French side FC Metz, but could not stop the side from being relegated from the French second-tier. The forward then sealed a move to Austria, signing for Red Bull Salzburg, and his career began to take off. In 87 games, he scored 45 times helping the club seal the domestic double in 2014. After Southampton signed the then 22-year-old for 10 million and in two seasons with the Saints, he scored 25 goals in 75 games. Mane scored 10 times in his first season including the Premier League’s fastest ever hat-trick against Aston Villa. Last season he scored 11 goals and six assists in 30 starts for Southampton.
The 24-year-old will bolster Liverpool’s attacking options, with electrifying pace and versatile style—he will certainly complement, strikers Divock Origi and Daniel Sturridge. Furthermore, he will benefit from playing with Brazilian duo Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho.
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 25: Sadio Mane of Southampton battles for the ball with Phillip Bardsley of Stoke City during the Barclays Premier League match between Southampton and Stoke City at St Mary’s Stadium on October 25, 2014 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
