Pep Lijnders admits that Diogo Jota approached Sadio Mane over Bayern links

Liverpool assistant boss Pep Lijnders has revealed that Reds forward Diogo Jota approached Sadio Mane regarding his future.

At the backend of the 2021-22 campaign, the Senegal international was linked with a transfer to Bayern Munich.

Well, that particular link turned out to be true. The winger made the move to Bayern Munich for a transfer fee of £28.80 million earlier this summer.

When it was first reported that Mane could be leaving Anfield, Jota spoke to the winger, according to Lijnders.

As quoted by HITC, he wrote the following in his new book 'Intensity': “There were rumours Bayern were looking to sign Sadio. During breakfast, Diogo confronted Sadio while seeing the news on Sky. Trent (Alexander-Arnold) was sitting next to him and we both started laughing when I said Jota could be a Scouser. He confronts without any hesitation.”

Anfield Watch Verdict

Mane was a huge player for Liverpool. The winger scored 120 goals and registered 48 assists in 269 appearances for the club's first-team.

Mane also helped the Reds win the Champions League, Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, Premier League title, League Cup and FA Cup.

Therefore, we can see why Jota approached Mane. You never want to hear that one of your best players could be leaving the club.

But, that's how football goes sometimes. It has been strange to watch Liverpool play without Mane during pre-season.

He was such an integral part of Jurgen Klopp's team for so many years. We do hope that Mane succeeds at Bayern Munich.

He will always be remembered as a legend of Liverpool. We don't say that about too many players.