Three times African footballer of the year Abedi Pele has revealed that Sadio Mane’s move to Bayern Munich will be good publicity for Africa.
Sadio Mane has emerged as the number transfer target for Bayern Munich with the departure of Robert Lewandoski from Bayern Munich now imminent. Mane joined Liverpool from Southampton in 2016 for £34 million for five years.
The Senegal National Team captain has been one of the key figures at Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp since his arrival. Mane helped Liverpool to win their first Premier League title in 30 years. Sadio Mane has won the Champions League, the FIFA Club World Cup, the UEFA Super Super, the FA Cup, and the league cup for Liverpool.
The 30-year-old has made 269 appearances for Liverpool scoring 120 goals including 23 goals in 51 appearances for Liverpool last season. there are reports that Sadio Mane has agreed on personal terms with Bayern Munich despite Liverpool rejecting Bayern Munich’s £25 million first bid.
However, Ghana football legend Abedi Pele believes Sadio Mane’s move to Bayern Munich will benefit the African continent more than the player.
What did Abedi Pele say?
Speaking to reporters after African Legends teams against Borussia Dortmund, the three-time African footballer of the year said: “You know Osei Sammy Kuffour was in Bayern and very successful in Bayern so another African being in Bayern will be great for Africa.
“It will give the continent a lot of publicity and will give Bayern huge publicity in Africa.
“Mane comes from Senegal, so Senegal will have a very strong mileage in the world. He will be the ambassador for Senegal and Bayern.
“Let us hope what he has done in Liverpool, he will be able to do much better in Bayern. Then it will give the African continent another push.”
Meanwhile, Former Liverpool player Dean Saunders believes Sadio Mane should not be sold.
In an interview with talk sports, Saunders said: “I think he [Mane] is irreplaceable; I would argue the fact that he’s in the top three players in the world right now. [Mohamed] Salah, Mane, who would you take? [Kevin] De Bruyne?
“As a striker, I watched him at the Champions League final, he finds little pockets, he drifts in from the wing, he drifts inside, his legs are like concrete, strong, he’s quick as lightning, he scores goals.”
Saunders added: “Diaz is a good replacement, but they’ve just got to give him [Mane] what he wants.
“Liverpool are doing well at the moment and losing someone like him could knock them sideways.”
