From Ronaldo to Benzema: Liverpool legend Mane set for shock Saudi switch

Tom Weber

Updated: 20 Aug 2024 16:33 BST
3 min read

Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, Karim Benzema — © IMAGO

Al-Ittihad are trying to sign Sadio Mane from Saudi Pro League rivals Al-Nassr, according to a report.

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The Senegal star arrived in Saudi Arabia last summer as one of the division's many marquee signings. However, few of the other superstars who joined boasted the same pedigree and reputation as Liverpool legend Mane.

After his Anfield exit, Mane had initially joined Bayern Munich, but it didn't work out for him in Bavaria, so he made the jump to Riyadh after just a year, linking up with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr for €30 million.

Now, he could be set for another surprising transfer just a year on from his last move. According to Ben Jacobs, Al-Ittihad are in talks to sign the Senegal international from their Pro League rivals.

© IMAGO - Al-Nassr's main attackers: Cristiano Ronaldo, Talisca and Sadio Mane

Benzema pushing for Mane

The journalist with well-placed Saudi sources reports that Al-Ittihad's star forward Karim Benzema has personally requested Mane be signed and talks are now taking place to try and reach an agreement with Al-Nassr.

It goes to show that though the Pro League's big four sides are owned by the PIF, there is a significant rivalry between all of them. Al-Ittihad are investing heavily after a disappointing title defence last season and have already signed Moussa Diaby for €60m and Houssem Aouar for €12m.

Mane has so far scored 19 goals and served up 11 assists in 48 games in Saudi Arabia. Jacobs reports that a deal is not done yet, with Al-Ittihad still probing whether to make a loan or a permanent offer.

The 32-year-old could not lift Al-Nassr to the Pro League title last term as they once again finished runners-up to unbeatable city rivals Al-Hilal, by whom they were also comfortably beaten 4-1 in the Saudi Super Cup final. Mane played the full 90 minutes but could not meaningfully contribute to the attack.