Senegal’s Sadio Mané, who secured an African championship title in 2022 and won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2019, has made a surprising move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr after just one season with Germany’s Bayern Munich, as announced by both clubs on Tuesday.
According to reports from the German press, the transfer fee for Mané’s move to Saudi Arabia stands at around €30 million. The 31-year-old Senegalese star is set to earn an annual salary of approximately €40 million, with additional bonuses of €10 million depending on Al-Nassr’s performance.
In a statement, Jan-Christian Dreesen, chairman of the board at Bayern Munich, explained that due to Mané’s extended absence from the club, he was unable to fully integrate himself as both parties had hoped. As a result, they collectively agreed that it would be beneficial for Mané to embark on a new chapter in his career and seek a fresh start at another club.
Coach Thomas Tuchel also offered his perspective on the transfer, stating that while he maintains a strong relationship with Mané, the decision was ultimately for the best. Tuchel expressed his sadness but emphasized that both he and Mané left the conversation with smiles on their faces and a commitment to maintaining their positive rapport. Tuchel attributed the transfer as a result of their failure to fully realize Mané’s potential during his time at Bayern Munich.
At Al-Nassr, Mané will have the opportunity to play alongside five-time Portuguese Golden Ball recipient Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined the Saudi club in January for a two-season stint. Ronaldo’s arrival marked the first major acquisition in the offensive strategy implemented by Saudi Arabia to make a significant impact on the global football stage.
Following Ronaldo’s move, French footballer Karim Benzema, who won the Ballon d’Or in 2022 ahead of Mané, also joined Al-Ittihad, along with fellow compatriot N’Golo Kanté. The Saudi championship has seen an influx of high-profile signings, including Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly, who joined Al-Hilal, and Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino, who signed with Al-Ahli.
In contrast to the Saudi moves, Argentine superstar Lionel Messi, a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, opted for the North American MLS by signing with Inter Miami instead. This decision presented a notable divergence from the trend of top-tier players flocking to the Saudi Arabian league.
This transfer marks a significant change in Mané’s career trajectory and presents an opportunity for him to make an impact in the Saudi Arabian league alongside renowned football icons. It remains to be seen how Mané will adapt to his new club and the challenges that lie ahead, but his proven talent and experience undoubtedly make him a valuable addition to Al-Nassr’s roster.
