Newcastle United are reportedly interested in a summer move for Bayern Munich forward Sadio Mane.
The Magpies will play in the Champions League next season after enjoying a fantastic 2022-23 Premier League campaign and finishing fourth in the table. Recent signings such as Bruno Guimaraes, Sven Botman, Alexander Isak and Kieran Trippier have helped the Toon Army go up a level, and Eddie Howe will be aiming to ensure the club continue on their upward trajectory.
According to German outlet Sport Bild, Bayern Munich are ready to offload Sadio Mane after just one season amid links with Newcastle United.
Mane, 31, had a troublesome debut season at Bayern, sustaining a hamstring injury just before the World Cup, failing to replicate his Liverpool form and also getting suspended for allegedly punching teammate Leroy Sane after a Champions League game. As a result, he has been deemed surplus to requirements by Bayern, with manager Thomas Tuchel not happy with the forward.
The Senegalese international’s problems in Germany have resulted in several rumours about a Premier League return. Manchester United and Chelsea have both been linked, but now it appears Newcastle are favourites to sign Mane.
Sadio Mane to Newcastle United—Should they make a move?
Under the new Saudi ownership and the management of Eddie Howe, Newcastle are a club reborn—going from relegation fodder back in the winter of 2022, to the promise of Champions League nights at St James’ Park come the end of the 2022/23 season. Despite being linked with a host of top names in European football, the club have stood firm and backed Eddie Howe, spending their money on sensible signings rather than simply splashing money on superstars.
However, this could change this summer following the Magpies’ return to Europe, with Sadio Mane emerging as a transfer target for Eddie Howe. Mane moved to Bayern from Liverpool for £35million last summer, but his time in the Bundesliga hasn’t exactly gone to plan so far. He managed seven goals and five assists in 25 league appearances in an injury-hit season.
Deemed a misfit at Bayern, Sadio Mane has the qualities to take Newcastle to another level. Newcastle have deep pockets at their disposal means they can easily afford both Mane’s transfer fee and £360,000 a week wages. The Senegalese’s volumes of experience in the Premier League and trophy-laden spell with Liverpool would help in boosting the mentality of Eddie Howe’s squad.
The 31-year-old is a versatile forward who can play in different attacking positions, and having a player of Mane’s stature in the team will always be valuable. Plus, the Magpies can offer him the chance to continue playing in the Champions League. At 31, Sadio Mane still has a few years left at the highest level, and he could make an immediate impact at St James’ Park.
If Newcastle can agree on a fee with Bayern and fulfil Mane’s demands, he could prove to be a top short-term acquisition.
