Tuchel transfer demand opens door for Mane to Chelsea

Suraj Radia

• 8 May 2023 20:37 BST
• 2 min read

Chelsea could be given a breakthrough to making their first transfer under incoming manager Mauricio Pochettino by the demands of their former boss Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich.

Pochettino is expected to be named as Chelsea’s manager in the coming weeks after a series of talks with the club and the Blues have been linked with a move for Sadio Mane this summer.

Mane only joined Bayern from Liverpool last summer but has infuriated Bayern after punching teammate Leroy Sane, leading to the German side seeking to make a quick sale on the 31-year-old.

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Chelsea are thought to be keen on bringing Mane back to the Premier League, with Pochettino reportedly having given his blessings to a deal, and a transfer could allow Bayern to fulfil the wishes of Tuchel, who is looking to replace the forward with Ousmane Dembele of Barcelona.

Dembele extended his contract until 2024 last summer with a release clause of €50 million, which becomes active in July, although Barca have not given up hope of him signing a new deal once again.

The club are looking to avoid a repeat of last year where Dembele’s contract expired and want his future resolved before he enters the final year of his deal, meaning a move to Bayern could happen early in the summer window if Barca cannot seal an extension.

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Barcelona could cash in on Dembele as they look to raise funds to bring in players this summer, having been told by La Liga that they must shrink their wage bill and make €200m in sales to register new signings.

While the club do not want to lose Dembele, the Frenchman is considered a player of significant value, particularly given his contractual situation.

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Dembele may also see his minutes reduced next season if Barcelona manage to bring in Lionel Messi, who they will heavily pursue for a return to the club once his contract at Paris Saint-Germain expires.

Should Dembele be sold to Bayern, Mane’s departure could be fast tracked, with Tuchel seemingly not wanting to keep the forward around due to his disciplinary issues.

Chelsea are looking for a striker rather than a winger this summer however Mane has featured regularly up top for Bayern this season and he could represent a cheaper alternative to the Blues’ targets given their need to be wary of Financial Fair Play this summer.