Liverpool legend makes FINAL decision on future

Suraj Radia

• 28 Jun 2023 16:51 BST
• 2 min read

Sadio Mane has claimed he will still be at Bayern Munich next season despite reports that the club wish to sell him after a turbulent debut season in Germany.

Mane was brought in from Liverpool last summer for €32 million as a replacement for Robert Lewandowski but the Senegalese international suffered through inconsistent form and disciplinary issues during his first year at the club.

Tensions surrounding Mane peaked in April when the 31-year-old was suspended by Bayern for punching teammate Leroy Sane, an incident which the forward addressed and claimed was ‘behind us now’.

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Bayern are still believed to be open to selling Mane after a return of just seven Bundesliga goals last season, with him also being one of the club’s highest earners and reported interest from Premier League teams as well as Saudi Arabian sides.

However, speaking to Senegalese TV, Mane admitted the season had been complicated but insisted he was still ‘up for the challenge’ of succeeding in Munich.

“God willing. If everything goes well, I'm going to return to Bayern,” Mane said. “It was a very complicated season, it happens. It wasn't a surprise, I expected things to be a bit complicated. It's normal. I love challenges, & Bayern is a big challenge. It's up to me to do everything to meet this challenge.”

Why Bayern could force Mane exit

Mane still has two years remaining on his contract at Bayern but the club are looking to sign a true number nine, with Harry Kane top of the club’s shortlist.

Kane is out of contract at Tottenham next summer and Bayern have had an initial offer of €70m rejected for the 29-year-old, with Spurs insisting the striker is not for sale.

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The England international is thought to have agreed personal terms with Bayern and would be keen on a move despite being just 48 goals away from breaking the all-time Premier League record.

Thomas Tuchel is said to have convinced the Bayern board of the need to sign Kane but a move could prove difficult due to the finances involved, which could mean Mane is forced out in order to raise more funds.