Real Madrid have reportedly identified Liverpool superstar Sadio Mane as their primary transfer target heading into the summer transfer window.
As per a report from the Mirror, Liverpool ace Sadio Mane has emerged as a top transfer target for La Liga heavyweights Real Madrid ahead of the next season. The Senagalese speedster has been in fine form this season for the Premier League champions-elect, which has earned him huge admirers in the form of Los Blancos.
Mane signed for Liverpool from Southampton in 2016 and has since grown into an indispensable member of Jurgen Klopp’s side, establishing himself as one of the best players in the Premier League along the way. The 27-year-old enjoyed a sensational last season, winning the PL Golden Boot while helping the Reds to the UEFA Champions League triumph.
Mane has continued in the same vein of form in the ongoing campaign, having already netted 18 goals and assisted 12 more in 38 matches in all competitions. The Senegalese international has been pivotal to Liverpool’s unrivaled domination in England this season, setting them on the way for their first-ever Premier League title triumph.
Naturally, the 27-year-old has gathered admirers along the way, one among them being Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane. The Frenchman is believed to be a huge fan of Mane’s abilities as per the report and wants to add the forward to his squad next season.
Real Madrid’s season so far has been inconsistent in patches. The Merengues are second in the La Liga behind arch-rivals Barcelona and find themselves staring at an exit in the Champions League after getting beaten by Manchester City in the Round of 16 first leg.
Attack has been a cause of concern for Zidane with Real Madrid overly dependent on Karim Benzema to deliver the goods. Moreover, the fact that last summer’s marquee signing Eden Hazard has spent almost the entire season out on the sidelines hasn’t helped the Spanish capital side.
With the likes of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo lacking consistency and Gareth Bale’s future uncertain as usual, Real Madrid want to bolster their attacking ranks ahead of the next season. And Zidane sees Mane as the perfect addition to the side, as a partnership of the Liverpool star, Hazard and Benzema is likely to send shivers among any opposition.
To that end, the Merengues are planning a mega offer in the summer for the Senegalese international. While Liverpool will be in no hurry to sell their superstar, whose contract runs till the summer of 2023, Real Madrid believe an offer in the range of £130-£140 million could convince the Reds to part ways with Mane.
A move to Real Madrid is sure to appeal to Mane, but given his status at Liverpool and the success that the Reds have been enjoying under Klopp, he might be better-served staying put at Anfield rather than switching to Real Madrid. It remains to be seen if Los Blancos decide to firm up on their interest in the 27-year-old and come up with an offer in the summer.
