Liverpool could sanction Sadio Mane exit after forward deal agreed in principle – pundit
Liverpool could allow Sadio Mane to leave this summer if the club completes a deal for Fulham’s Fabio Carvalho.
That is the view of former Premier League striker Noel Whelan, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about Mane, 29, and his future at Anfield.
Mane’s current contract expires at the end of June 2023.
Speaking to TFM Senegal, via The Anfield Talk (30 March), the winger’s agent Bjorn Bezemer revealed talks over an extension are yet to start.
Bezemer claimed negotiations are likely to begin at the end of the season.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has an embarrassment of riches in attack with Mane, Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, Roberto Firmino and Luis Diaz fighting for a starting spot.
As revealed by Football Insider (28 March), Liverpool have also agreed a deal in principle to sign Carvalho when his Fulham deal expires this June.
When asked if Mane’s contract talks would be effected by the signing of Carvalho, Whelan told Football Insider‘s Russell Edge: “Liverpool are planning for the future.
“Mane has one big contract left in him. Are they really going to blow their wage structure for him?
“Yes, he’s a phenomenal player who anyone would want in their side but at some point you have to give the chance to these younger players. They need to have the same flair and the same telepathic football.
“Firmino, Mane and Salah have been that for a number of years. It looks like they are planning for life after them with Diaz, Carvalho coming in and they’ve been linked with Raphinha as well. They’re not just planning for now.
“If they can get Carvalho and keep Salah, they met let Mane go. That might be their way of dealing with things.”
In other news, an ex-Fifa officials has compared a Liverpool 29-year-old to Vinnie Jones as controversy is analysed.