"They couldn't be held to ransom" - Pundit on Sadio Mane's departure

Liverpool legend John Barnes has said that the Reds will be fine without Sadio Mane.

Speaking to Sky Sports, as quoted by the Liverpool Echo, the former Liverpool winger said that it's sad seeing Mane go, but explained why the Reds will be fine without him.

"This is modern football - players come and go," he said. "The only thing clubs can demand from their players is that they give 100 per cent commitment while they're on their books and that's what Sadio Mane did.

"It was the same with Gini Wijnaldum last summer. It's sad to see him going, but Mane decided he needed a new challenge. Financially, it's a better move for him also but you can't complain about what he's done as while he was here he was absolutely fantastic.

"It'll be disappointing to see him leave as the club did all they could to keep him but they couldn't be held to ransom over paying him what he wanted.

"Liverpool have already brought in Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz, so what bringing in Darwin Nunez should change is it will give Liverpool more a threat within the penalty box."

Anfield Watch Verdict

With it being reported that both Mohamed Salah and Mane wanted £400k to extend, you can understand why Liverpool didn't agree a new deal with the Senegalese forward.

We are a club that is run sensibly. We don't have countries backing us with unlimited money.

If players can't understand that and they want to move away, then that's fine. No player is bigger than Liverpool.

We brought the likes of Salah and Mane in when they weren't superstars and under the guidance of Jurgen Klopp, he has made them household names and legends within their countries.

Klopp has done it before and he'll do it again if needed.