Transfer Centre

Bayern Munich winger Sadio Mane 'increasingly open to Saudi Arabia move'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 22 July 2023

Bayern winger Mane 'increasingly open to Saudi move'

Bayern Munich winger Sadio Mane is reportedly increasingly open to signing for a club in Saudi Arabia, despite preferring to fight for his place under Thomas Tuchel.

Bayern Munich winger Sadio Mane is reportedly increasingly open to departing the Allianz Arena this summer.

Last summer, Mane ended his long-term association with Liverpool in order to take on a new challenge in Germany, with the perception being that the Bayern had got the best part of a £27.4m deal.

However, the 31-year-old's first season has been perceived to be a disappointment, despite Bayern being able to retain the Bundesliga title on the final day of the campaign.

Although Mane still chipped in with 12 goals and six assists from 38 appearances in all competitions, the Senegal international did not make the impression that many had anticipated.

Amid reports that Bayern were willing to part ways with the versatile attacker, head coach Thomas Tuchel acknowledged to reporters that he wanted to see improvements during 2023-24.

Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel reacts on May 27, 2023 © Reuters

Since speculation emerged over his future, it has also been reported that Mane would prefer to continue his career at Bayern, rather than look for an exit at this stage.

Nevertheless, Bayern are known to be open to raising funds to boost their chances of signing Tottenham Hotspur forward Harry Kane, a transfer that would impact on Mane's game time.

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano on Twitter, Mane is now open-minded regarding a potential switch to the Saudi Pro League.

Romano reiterates the previous reports of Bayern being interested in cashing in on Mane and the player showing a desire to prove himself under Tuchel.

Bayern Munich's Sadio Mane celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates on October 26, 2022 © Reuters

That said, Mane will allegedly now hold discussions with Al-Nassr to explore the possibility of linking up with last season's runners-up, who have Cristiano Ronaldo in their attack.

With FIFA having ended a brief transfer ban on them, Al-Nassr are now under pressure to make up for lost time in the market having only signed Marcelo Brozovic and Seko Fofana from European football thus far.

Efforts to sign Hakim Ziyech and Moussa Diaby have seemingly failed, resulting in club officials being ready to follow up their initial interest in Mane.

A possible fee has not been mentioned, but Bayern may allegedly look to recoup more than they were initially hoping for due to the funds that the Public Investment Fund (PIF) are willing to spend on high-profile players.