Zinedine Zidane wants Sadio Mane at Real Madrid this summer
By Quinn Allen
According to reports, Zidane has resumed his interest in Sadio Mane after almost signing the Senegalese international before he left as manager of Real Madrid in May of 2018.
When you reach the heights Sadio Mane has this term for Liverpool, there’s absolutely no doubt the giant clubs in Europe will take notice. Real Madrid looks to be the latest that’s interested in the Reds striker, who is hoping to sign Mane this summer from Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Since Zidane has taken over the helm once again last week, President Florentino Perez has reportedly given the Frenchman 300 million euros to spend this summer in order to rebuild their squad. Eden Hazard, Kylian Mbappe, Christian Eriksen, and Neymar are all players who are on Madrid’s radar. However, with only 300 million, Los Blancos would definitely not be able to sign all of these big names.
Mane seems like a solid option for Zidane’s side. He is currently in the best form of his entire career right now, and would definitely cost a lot less than a player like Mbappe or Neymar. The former Southampton star has scored 20 goals across all competitions this year for Liverpool and has bagged 17 of those goals in PL play, well in contention for the Golden Boot in England.
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He’s emerged as the primary scorer ahead of Mo Salah at Anfield this year amongst their electric trio up top of Mane, Salah, and Firmino. The Senegalese star was the main reason they beat Bayern Munich last week in the second leg of the round of 16, netting two goals in a 3-1 victory.
He has been one of the most productive signings by Jurgen Klopp since coming to Merseyside from Southampton in 2016, finding the net 40 times in just 85 Premier League matches since putting on a Liverpool jersey that summer.
How he could fit at Madrid
Real Madrid never found a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo when he left for Juventus, and it’s been quite noticeable that they lack true firepower up front based on their latest performances. Gareth Bale has been pretty disappointing at the Bernabeu, while Karim Benzema has been decent with 17 goals across all competitions, however, he isn’t getting much help. They really need to bring in some new players and I believe Mane would be a nice fit up front with Madrid.
Mane usually plays on the left in Klopp’s 4-3-3 formation. He is absolutely electric out there, using his speed and skill to fly past defenders and cut in towards the box. His finishing abilities and eye for a pass has been very impressive over the last couple seasons, with the 18/19′ campaign being his most worthy by far.
It’s uncertain if Gareth Bale is going to stay in Spain, but based on the latest antics from the fans towards the Welshman, it doesn’t look good. They have been very negative towards him in past weeks and even though he’s voiced that he’d like to play in Madrid for the remainder of his career, I have my doubts Bale will actually stay.
Mane would play out where Bale does on the left flank for Madrid if the move happened this summer and I do believe he would add a much-needed attacking flair alongside Benzema.
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Mane did just sign a deal in November that is supposed to keep him at Anfield through 2023, but a chance to play for one of the biggest clubs in Europe could be enticing for the 26-year old.