Transfer Rumour: Real Madrid eyeing summer move for Sadio Mane

Real Madrid are reportedly interested in signing Sadio Mane from Liverpool, with the Senegalese ready to make the summer switch to the Bernabeu.

According to a report by France Football, Real Madrid are eyeing Sadio Mane as their first signing of the summer transfer window. In fact, the Liverpool winger was set to join Los Blancos ahead of the World Cup, before Zinedine Zidane’s shock resignation complicated matters.

Mane was one of the most expensive buys in Liverpool history when he joined from Southampton in the summer of 2016. His arrival was initially greeted with a sense of skepticism, but the player was an instant hit, quickly establishing himself as an indispensable figure in his maiden campaign at Anfield.

The arrival of Mohamed Salah last summer decrease his importance in the dressing room somewhat. But ,Mane continued to be a key player this past season, as evidenced by his performance in the Champions League final against Real Madrid last month, stepping out of Salah’s shadows to be Liverpool’s most dangerous player.

His outing in the Kiev finale for Liverpool seems to have piqued the interest of Real Madrid, who are set to revamp the first-team squad in the summer transfer window. Their poor campaign in La Liga is seen as a primary reason for the squad overhaul, and club president Florentino Perez is ready to sanction move for several players.

Attack seems to be a priority area, and for good reason. Cristiano Ronaldo severely lacked support in the final third this season, with Gareth Bale the only player crossing 20 goals across all competitions. That only two other reached double figures is a testament to Real Madrid’s need to get more goals from their players.

To make matters worse, there is further uncertainty surrounding the club following the unexpected departure of Zinedine Zidane. Additionally, Real Madrid are now on their toes, with the futures of Bale and Ronaldo up in the air, although the former has reportedly been handed an improved contract and assurances over playing time.

For all of these reasons, Mane seems to be a viable target, who could boost the incoming manager’s options considerably. The Senegalese had even agreed terms to leave Liverpool and join Real Madrid, but it has now emerged that the move has now been put on the back burner, till a new manager is appointed.

A move for Mane now depends on the new manager, in addition to Liverpool’s willingness to sell him, as it had been Zidane who had asked for the player. In all likelihood, any possible deal will only take place after Senegal’s World Cup campaign, and it remains to be seen if Real Madrid can wrap up his signing.