Liverpool fans may have played role in Sadio Mane exit after £62.4m reveal – pundit
Noel Whelan has suggested the Liverpool fans may have played a role in the exit of Sadio Mane as Mohamed Salah puts pen to paper on a new deal.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the Anfield faithful will be “thrilled” to see the 30-year-old commit his future to the club – claiming the Egyptian is a “bigger icon” than Mane.
Liverpool confirmed on Friday (1 July) that Salah has signed a long-term deal at Anfield after a long period of speculation about his future.
Football Insider revealed that Salah has become the best-paid player in the club’s history and will earn £400,000-a-week across a three-year deal – a total of £62.4million.
Mane completed a reported potential £35million move to Bayern Munich last month after deciding to leave Liverpool.
Both players had one year remaining on their contracts prior to signing their respective deals.
Whelan insisted Jurgen Klopp’s side have made the right choice by keeping their “own Cristiano Ronaldo”.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think it was the right decision.
“Someone had to give, and it was unfortunate for Mane that the introduction of Diaz and Carvalho didn’t leave him in the best position.
“They’ve got enough cover now.
“Also, if you asked the fans who the bigger icon is at the football club – I think you have to say Salah, don’t you?
“He’s capable of that bit of brilliance you need to win football matches, his numbers are incredible – he’s Liverpool’s own Cristiano Ronaldo.
“Salah is well worth it, and the supporters will be happy to see the club make the most out of his final years – squeezing every last bit of quality out of him.
“The season ticket holders will be thrilled to know that he isn’t going anywhere any time soon.”
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