Real Madrid, Liverpool haven’t made contact over Sadio Mane deal

Real Madrid may have interest in Liverpool star Sadio Mane, but if they do, it doesn’t seem like they have actually reached out to the Senegal international yet.

Although Real Madrid have identified Kylian Mbappe as their dream target, they probably won’t be able to sign the young superstar from PSG. A generational talent, Mbappe can do it all as a wide forward or center forward, and, most importantly, he brings goals to the table.

But Sadio Mane is another proven goal-scorer who can shine out wide. He’s also scored goals in one of the most difficult leagues in the Premier League, shining across from another possible Real Madrid transfer target, Mohamed Salah.

In 2019-2020, Mane scored 14 goals with 7 assists in 26 appearances for the Reds. An intelligent, well-rounded attacking player, Mane is a manager’s dream on a counterattack. His creativity allows him to score goals out of nothing, and his unselfishness makes the players around him that much better. Mane is a nightmare to defend, especially off the ball due to the ingenious runs he makes to leave defenses for dead.

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Rumors indicate that Mane could be Real Madrid’s top transfer target this summer, as they may be weighing up a move that could cost as much as 140 million euros.

However, The Athletic’s James Pearce, who covers Liverpool, recently said in a mailbag Q&A that there has been no recent contact between the two clubs.

Pearce, via @LFCTransferRoom, chalks up the rumors linking Real and Mane as “speculation”.

Furthermore, he believes there is “no way” Liverpool will consider transfer approaches for the 27-year-old in the summer of 2020, citing how Mane feels about his standing with the club and the team’s ability to compete.

The 2018-2019 Champions League winners, Liverpool were in the midst of a special season in the Premier League, and Mane was a massive part of that.

Although it is hard to turn down interest from Real Madrid, Mane seems like one of those players who would be willing to stay at a club that values him and is just as competitive.

But with the amount of money Real could offer in wages and the ability to do something special at the Santiago Bernabeu, Los Blancos could stand a chance. The issue, of course, comes down to cost. Real want other, younger wide forwards and still have eyes on Mbappe, so spending a huge transfer fee and wages – even considering the wages cleared if Gareth Bale leaves – may not be ideal from their perspective.

Mane is a game-changer, but Madridistas should expect him to remain at Anfield for at least one more season.