Bayern Munich contact Liverpool forward Sadio Mane

Bayern Munich have initiated contact with Sadio Mane, with the Bavarians eyeing the Liverpool star as a direct replacement for Robert Lewandowski.

According to Christian Falk, Bayern Munich have contacted the agent of Sadio Mane to assess the possibility of a summer move to Allianz Arena. While they have also come in touch with VfB Stuttgart striker Sasa Kalajdzic, Mane could emerge as the transfer priority, in light of Robert Lewandowski’s uncertain future at the club.

The Bavarians are anticipating the sale of the Polish international, who has visibly shown his frustration at the club and wants to force through a move to FC Barcelona at the end of the season. Lewandowski’s potential exit has made Bayern desperate to fill the void in the goalscoring department, with Mane emerging as a potential solution.

Regarded as one of the most lethal forwards in the Premier League, Mane has been an excellent servant for Liverpool over the years. In 266 competitive appearances, the winger has scored 119 goals while racking up 48 assists. His contributions in the final third have been critical behind Liverpool’s unprecedented success under Jurgen Klopp.

The Senegalese international has indeed played a starring role in the club’s triumph in the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. But he has not earned the limelight he deserves, with the winger often being overshadowed by his more decorated attacking partner in Mohamed Salah.

In an attempt to move away from the shadow, Mane could be compelled to leave Anfield at the end of the season, with Bayern Munich giving him the opportunity to become an attacking leader of one of the strongest clubs in European football.

Although the former RB Salzburg starlet is a winger by trade, he has played in the number nine role to perfection this season and has the goalscoring expertise the replace Lewandowski in the near future, before the Bavarians eventually find a more recognised number nine.

Luring Mane from Liverpool, though, could be a tricky task for Bayern Munich. Although the attacker’s current deal at Anfield expires at the end of next season, the Reds would be keen on holding on to their star player, knowing his exit could severely damage their chances of competing for the Premier League title, especially with Manchester City bringing Erling Haaland this summer.

At the same time, the speculation around Mane’s future could prompt the Merseysiders to enter the market for a top forward, although they have started their operation to convince the Senegalese international to sign a contract extension at Anfield.