Bayern Munich striker Sadio Mane has reportedly informed a select group of his close friends that he misses his old club Liverpool and wants to return there again this summer. Mane, 31, is seeking a return to Anfield given his deteriorating relationship with Bayern, claims Football Insider.
Last summer, the Senegalese winger left the Reds and sealed a £35 million move to Bayern, which raised everybody’s eyebrows. The Reds’ fans slammed the clubs decision to let go one of their main architects, alongside Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Virgil van Dijk and Alisson, of the recent success the club has tasted.
Mane wants Liverpool return after fallout with Bayern chiefs
Sadio mane has had tough time finding his form at Allianz Arena, much to the frustration of the Bayern bosses. In 32 appearances across competitions, he has performed well below his usual standards, tallying 11 goals and dishing out five assists. To add to his woes, Mane got into an altercation with teammate Leroy Sane after the Bavarians’ 3-0 loss to Manchester City in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal.
Following his altercation with Sane, it is being understood that Bayern want to ship Mane out in the summer. Bayern are thought to be trying to recoup the £35 million (plus add-ons) they paid Liverpool for the 31-year-old last summer through a potential summer sale.
The German champions have suspended Mane for striking Sane as the former Liverpool forward won’t play in this Saturday’s Bundesliga match between Bayern and Hoffenheim at the Allianz Arena. The move from the German champions has apparently left the Senegal captain frustrated with the club management.
On the hand, it appears that a move back to Anfield is out of the question now that the Merseysiders are not contemplating the option of re-signing their former star. Mane’s age doesn’t fit the profile of players Liverpool are seeking as they look to rebuild the squad in the summer.
The veteran attacker announced his departure from Anfield after six seasons filled with trophies , making it clear he wanted a fresh challenge. But his new challenge did not go as planned. He has scored just six goals in the Bundesliga this season, and has recently had fitness and form issues. Given that performance and the questionable conduct, it is highly likely that Mane may be departing the club after only one season.
The Senegalese great scored 120 goals in 269 games for Liverpool, earning six major awards during that time. Jurgen Klopp’s team has struggled this season without the former Southampton forward in their ranks. However, Liverpool have already brought in Darwin Nunez for a club record fee of £85m last summer, and Cody Gakpo in a £37m move in the winter to replace Mane. Moreover, their priorities lie elsewhere for the upcoming summer transfer window, with new midfield acquisitions occupying the top-spot.