SADIO MANE is open to the possibility of a reunion with Ronald Koeman at Barcelona, according to reports in Spain.
The Liverpool star, 28, had another sensational season at Anfield as he helped his side win their first-ever Premier League title.
Mane and Koeman have previously worked together at SouthamptonCredit: Reuters
Mane is claimed to believe he doesn’t earn enough credit at Liverpool and could quitCredit: AFP – Getty
Mane was arguably the best of the Reds’ fearsome front-three, with 18 goals and seven assists last term.
But he could be open to a new start in Spain to rekindle his relationship with his former Southampton boss Koeman.
The Senegalese forward has been lined-up as a potential replacement for wantaway Lionel Messi at the Nou Camp.
And now Mundo Deportivo have claimed Mane is considering the prospect because his role at Liverpool prevents him from winning individual honours.
The Spanish outlet claims Mane believes the credit always goes to fellow forward Mohamed Salah or skipper Jordan Henderson.
The ex-Saints winger is said to believe if he is to have any chance of honours such as the Ballon d’Or he will need to move to a new club.
With Messi set to quit Barca – with Manchester City and Juventus leading the race – Mane could become the individual star he apparently craves to be at the Nou Camp.
Mane was catapulted onto the global scene after lighting up the Premier League under Koeman at Southampton before his £30milion move to Anfield in 2016.
Liverpool don’t want to sell their star man.
However, Mane has stalled on signing a new contract, with his current deal expiring at the end of the 2022-23 season.
That has alerted Reds officials to the possibility of cashing in while the Senegal winger is at the peak of his powers.
Kop bosses are set to demand at least £108m for Mane.
Barcelona should be easily able to afford that, with president Josep Maria Bartomeu reportedly holding out for his full £624m release fee.
The club will realistically be likely to settle for around £150m.
Lionel Messi already in contact with Pep Guardiola as Man City lead transfer race for wantaway Barcelona superstar
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
