Can Liverpool keep Sadio Mané beyond the 2018 World Cup?
So often regarded a shop window for the most talented players in the game to showcase their talents, transfer gossip inevitably surrounds the World Cup and the 2018 tournament in Russia is no different in that regard. One player who will be under the spotlight is Liverpool attacking midfielder Sadio Mané, with more than a few European giants expected to carefully monitor his performances with Senegal, as they bid to reach the latter stages.
Drawn in Group H, which could be one of the most fiercely contested at the 2018 World Cup, Senegal will have to rise above competition from Colombia, Japan and Poland. Given the respective strengths of each of those teams, there will certainly be some tasty matches to enjoy, as they jostle to make it through to the knockout stages.
Senegal are also an interesting outside tip to reach the quarterfinals according to Paddy Power World Cup betting, priced at 6/1 to be amongst the eight best teams at the tournament in Russia. As one of their most experienced international players, with 53 caps and 14 goals to his name, stellar displays by Mané will undoubtedly go a long way towards the team achieving such ambitions.
A key figure for Liverpool throughout the 2017-18 campaign, Mané has inevitably become the subject of more than a few transfer rumours. The 26-year-old produced consistently impressive displays in the Premier League, contributing 10 goals and 7 assists, which helped towards the team achieving a top-four finish.
Based on whoscored.com Champions League statistics, he was also one of the best players in the competition overall last season, with only Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid equalling the 8.12 average match rating achieved by Mané. Despite the outcome of the final, the Liverpool man scored and produced a man of the match performance, whereas the Portuguese star was ineffectual during the encounter in Kiev.
An ability to produce the goods on big occasions will be a priceless asset to Senegal at the World Cup, which also makes Mané one of the most exciting players to watch at the tournament. Undoubtedly, scouts and managers from some of the biggest clubs in Europe will be paying close attention to his performances, amidst speculation that Liverpool’s resolve could be tested with huge bids for his services.
The good news for the Reds and Jurgen Klopp is that Mané seemingly has no desire to leave Anfield, ahead of the 2018-19 season. “I’m very happy in Liverpool and my contract will last for three more years,” ESPN quoted him stating at Senegal’s training base in Russia, amidst suggestions that Real Madrid remain interested in making an offer.
There were reports that the Spanish giants were on the verge of closing a deal for Mané, ahead of the World Cup, but the sudden and surprising departure of Zinedine Zidane as manager seemingly halted progress in negotiations. After his controversial appointment at the Bernabéu and sacking as Spain coach, it remains to be seen if Julen Lopetegui will pursue any interest in the Senegalese player.
Mané, for now at least, looks like he’ll be staying at Anfield. However, that won’t stop new and alternative rumours surfacing about his future if he dazzles at the World Cup in Russia. Should that happen, Liverpool will inevitably have to brace themselves for renewed interest from the big-spenders in European football, eager to lure yet another of their star performers away from the club.