Breaking news early Monday reported that Sadio Mane had agreed to join Real Madrid this summer. But, that deal could be called off after the unexpected departure of Zinedine Zidane.
If the news of Zidane stepping down caught you off guard, this might have been even more surprising. After scoring a goal against Los Blancos in the Champions League Final and causing the four defenders nothing but trouble, the winger from Senegal could be making a switch from the losing side to the winning side.
According to French Football, the 26-year-old who had a breakout season for Liverpool had agreed to terms with Madrid a week or so ago – maybe before the UCL Final even – and had the intention of becoming the first big signing for President Florentino Perez this summer.
However, Zinedine Zidane stepping down from his post could throw a wrench in the deal. While nothing has been confirmed yet, this is a good sign for what’s to come from Real Madrid this summer.
Mane had a fantastic season, pairing nicely with Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah as he scored 20 goals and was an assist machine with eight in all competitions. I have to say, I’m surprised he would agree to leave an up and coming side that overachieved during the 2017/2018 campaign.
The Real Madrid board is clearly concerned about the future without Cristiano Ronaldo and are likely preparing for the inevitability that he will hang up the cleats for good in just a few years. Mane’s pace and smart passing in a 4-3-3 formation makes him more than a suitable replacement for one of the greatest forwards to ever play the beautiful game.
But, with Zizou now taking a hiatus, the deal could be thrown out. Everything now depends on who will step into the role Zizou vacated.
Next: Real Madrid: Zinedine Zidane’s departure means Gareth Bale will stay
I don’t see this deal actually being completed because one, Mane means too much to The Reds and Jurgen Klopp for him to leave – especially when it’s Real Madrid. Two, if this deal was actually close to being completed, Zidane stepping down is a huge blow to the transfer.
The fact that Perez was in negotiations with Liverpool and Mane is proof enough that this summer will be very interesting in terms of transfers. We will keep a close eye on this deal if it does indeed go through.