Journalist believes Liverpool have known about Sadio Mane's intentions for a while

The Athletic's Adam Crafton believes that Liverpool have known for some time Sadio Mane would look to leave Anfield this summer.

It has been reported that the winger would like a new challenege. Mane is contracted until the conclusion of the 2022-23 campaign.

Therefore, Liverpool are reportedly seeking a transfer fee of £40 million for the Senegal international.

Speaking about the saga surrounding Mane, Crafton is under the impression that Liverpool have known for months Mane would look for a fresh start elsewhere this summer.

“I think it’s a statement (Darwin Nunez's arrival) because when you looked at them at the end of the season there were doubts about Mohamed Salah’s future, there were doubts about Mane’s future as well," he told The Athletic's Football Podcast, as quoted by HITC.

"Salah has committed to spend one more year there and Mane clearly wants to go and I think Liverpool have known that for a few months now.

“They were framing it, even in May, saying that they would have a discussion after the Champions League final, but the conversations I was having sensed that the mood had changed, so they started planning, as good clubs should do.”

Anfield Watch Verdict

We will certainly miss Mane if he does end up departing the club this summer. The winger was exceptional for Liverpool last season.

Mane scored 23 goals and registered five assists in 51 appearances for the Reds. The 30-year-old also averaged a WhoScored player rating of 7.21 across the 2021-22 campaign.

But, the club will be fine if Mane does end up leaving. The reality is, Liverpool have lost big players in the past and recovered. The same will happen here.

We expect Mane's future to be sorted in the coming weeks/months.