Why Sadio Mane would be a good fit at Barcelona
According to TMW via Sport (h/t Daily Mail), Liverpool attacker Sadio Mane is willing to replace Lionel Messi, if the Barcelona superstar chooses to depart this summer.
Messi shocked the football world recently by handing over a transfer request last week. The Argentine ace is trying to trigger a clause in his current contract that would allow him to leave Barcelona for free. (h/t Daily Mail)
And, Barcelona have turned their eyes towards Liverpool star Sadio Mane, who they see as a potential replacement for Messi. The 28-year-old Mane, meanwhile, is willing to play for the La Liga giants if Messi leaves.(h/t Daily Mail)
Mane a good successor for Barcelona star Messi
Mane has been one of Liverpool’s key players since his arrival at Anfield in 2016. The experienced attacker helped the Reds clinch their first Premier League title in 30 years last season and the Champions League trophy the season prior to it.
A regular within the side, the Senegalese speedster has 81 goals and 34 assists from 171 matches across all competitions for the Reds to date. This is a testament to Mane’s attacking abilities and he can prove to be a great successor to Messi.
Barcelona are currently facing a crisis after losing the La Liga title to arch-rivals Real Madrid last season. To add to their miseries, they also suffered a humiliating 8-2 defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich to get knocked out of the UEFA Champions League.
The current malaise surrounding Barcelona suggests that the side are in clear need of some new faces. And an in-form Mane would be a great addition to the squad, making him a viable option for the Catalans if Messi leaves.
Furthermore, Mane has the experience of playing with Barcelona’s new coach Ronald Koeman, under whom he played formerly at Southampton. Hence, it would not take him much time to adjust to the new surroundings. Thus Barcelona should go ahead and land Mane if Messi decides to depart.
Read more
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Verdict
At 28, Mane is in the form of his life. The Liverpool forward’s arrival will strengthen a struggling outfit such as Barcelona, who are in clear need of a revamp. The Senegalese attacker is also an experienced customer and has worked with new manager Ronald Koeman in the past, which will make him a good fit at Camp Nou.
