Saudi giants Al Nassr, Tuesday captured the Senegalese sensation, Sadio Mane, from Bayern Munich with the two-time African Footballer of the Year set to affix forces with seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo.
As the cash-rich Saudi league continues its star-studded recruitment drive, Mane’s transfer marks yet one more high-profile addition to their already formidable lineup.
Mane addressed the Al Nassr supporters by way of a heartfelt video on the membership’s social media platforms. “I’m really happy to be part of you guys; I can’t wait to see you,” he stated.
Both Al Nassr and Bayern Munich formally confirmed the change of the previous Liverpool star.
German media estimates positioned the deal at a staggering 30 million euros ($32.96 million), securing Mane on a profitable three-year contract.
Notably, his annual wage is about to soar to 40 million euros, supplemented by a further 10 million in performance-based bonuses.
With two years nonetheless remaining on his Bayern contract, Mane expressed his sorrow at leaving the German giants.
“Leaving Bayern hurts me. I would have wished for a different ending,” he shared throughout an interview with Sky Germany.
Bayern Munich’s head coach, Thomas Tuchel, could not conceal his unhappiness both.
Speaking from Singapore forward of a pleasant in opposition to Liverpool, Tuchel revealed the heartfelt farewell between him and Mane.
“We had a long, big hug, and we both agreed that we don’t like what’s happening now, but we think it’s for the best in this situation,” Tuchel disclosed.
Never walked alone
Mane, the very important cog in Jurgen Klopp’s formidable attacking trio alongside Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino, loved a golden spell at Liverpool.
The Champions League and Premier League titles he received with the Reds marked historic moments within the membership’s legacy.
However, in the summertime of 2022, Mane knew it was time for a brand new problem, and Bayern Munich got here knocking on his door.
Brimming with promise, Mane launched into his journey at Bayern Munich, with the membership promising to make him the centerpiece of their assault, changing the departing Robert Lewandowski.
Despite a promising begin, it grew to become obvious that Mane was struggling to seek out his rhythm in Bavaria, and an premature harm to his fibula additional difficult issues.
Tragically, the harm sidelined him for the 2022 World Cup, dealing a crushing blow to Senegal’s aspirations.
Acknowledging the challenges confronted by Mane at Bayern, CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen emphasised that the choice to half methods was mutual.
“Because of his long layoff, he also couldn’t have the impact at FC Bayern that we all and he himself had hoped for,” Dreesen stated.
Mane’s transfer to Al Nassr marks a pivotal second within the membership’s historical past, following the seize of Ronaldo on a four-year deal.
The Saudi aspect has orchestrated a powerful coup this summer season, attracting notable stars like Croatia’s Marcelo Brozovic, Brazil’s Alex Telles, and Ivory Coast’s Seko Fofana.
Not to be outdone, their rivals Al-Ittihad have secured the providers of Ballon d’Or holder Karim Benzema and French World Cup winner N’Golo Kante, whereas Riyad Mahrez discovered a brand new house at Al-Ahli.
Adding to the exodus from England, Jordan Henderson joined Al-Ettifaq, reuniting with former Liverpool teammate and training legend, Steven Gerrard.
Source: www.dailysabah.com
