Sadio Mane’s debut season at Bayern Munich has been filled with challenges and setbacks.
With a managerial change, a goal drought since October, and a reported dressing room altercation with teammate Leroy Sane, the former Liverpool star finds himself facing an uncertain future in Bavaria.
Adding to the difficulties, Bayern is poised to miss out on clinching the Bundesliga title for the first time since 2012, barring a significant stumble from league leaders Borussia Dortmund in their final match.
As Mane and his teammates prepare for their last league game against FC Cologne on Saturday, it’s worth examining the Senegalese forward’s turbulent year and contemplating the possibility of a potential transfer in the near future.
Bayern’s capture of Mane looked to be one of last summer’s most impressive signings.
The Senegalese star, 31, won everything there was to win during his six-year stint at Anfield but turned down a contract offer to explore pastures new.
And after seeing talismanic striker Robert Lewandowski leave for Barcelona, Bayern board member Hasan Salihamidzic was quick to hail Mane as the club’s new star attraction.
Salihamidzic said: “The fact that he’s joining Bayern Munich shows that our club and he have big aims.
“Sadio fits perfectly with the football that we play under Julian Nagelsmann.”
Change of plan
Unfortunately for Mane, Nagelsmann is no longer in charge at the Allianz Arena.
The ex-RB Leipzig boss, 35, was sacked two months ago with club CEO Oliver Kahn citing “fluctuation in performances since the World Cup” as the reason for his dismissal.
His departure has unquestionably impacted Mane’s form. Under Nagelsmann, the forward notched 16 direct goal involvements (11 goals, five assists) in 28 appearances across all competitions — a steady, if not outstanding, return.
But since ex-Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel took the reins, he has managed only a solitary goal and assist apiece in 10 outings.
What is more, six of those 10 appearances have been cameos from the bench lasting under half an hour.
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Sane scrap
Sections of the German press have suggested that Mane’s April punch-up with Sane has lowered his stock among club chiefs.
The forwards came to blows after Bayern’s 3-0 Champions League loss at Manchester City and a bust lip for the former Citizens winger saw Mane internally disciplined with a fine and one-game suspension.
Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg said this week: “That situation with Sane was a shock for the management and his team-mates.
“My information is that he is seen critically inside from now because of his performances and that behaviour.
“A lot of players have distanced themselves from Mane. He is a candidate for sale in the summer because he has a high salary and Tuchel has no real plans to work with him next season.”
English return
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Though Mane has suggested he has no intention of departing, the decision may be taken out of his hands.
Sadio Mane may find a return to the Premier League appealing, although his substantial wage demands would likely deter most clubs, including his former team.
Reports suggest that Manchester United and Newcastle are the two clubs showing the most interest in securing a deal for Mane, although his association with Liverpool makes a move to Old Trafford highly improbable.
Nevertheless, Newcastle, backed by ambitious Saudi owners, are gearing up for their first Champions League campaign in two decades and are expected to pursue high-profile signings.
If Mane prioritizes a significant financial boost, an approach from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal could be his best option.
However, considering his apparent desire to continue performing at the highest level, a move to Newcastle seems to be the most plausible outcome this summer.
Credit: Livescore