Sadio Mane has become the latest big name to quit European football for the Saudi Pro League as he joins Al-Nassr from Bayern Munich.
The 31-year-old Senegal forward spent just a single season in Germany, having moved to Bayern from Liverpool last summer and now departs for a reported £34million.
Mane struggled for form, and during a tough season, he suffered an injury that ruled him out of the 2022 World Cup and was fined and suspended by Bayern after a training ground bust-up with team-mate Leroy Sane.
He has now completed a move to Saudi Arabia, where he will team up with Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcelo Brozovic at Al-Nassr, having also been linked with Al-Ahli and a reunion with former Liverpool team-mate Roberto Firmino.
Sadio Mané has joined Al Nassr from FC Bayern.
Merci and all the best in the future, Sadio!
ℹ️ https://t.co/rfDFU8hDYV pic.twitter.com/cHQ3pRatZM
— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) August 1, 2023
Having first moved to England with Southampton, Mane switched to Anfield in 2016 and went on to score 120 goals in 269 appearances, winning the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup and Club World Cup on Merseyside.
“We want to thank Sadio Mane for the past season,” Bayern chief executive Jan-Christian Dreesen said after the Bundesliga champions announced his departure.
“It certainly wasn’t an easy year for him, getting injured just before the World Cup and being unable to take part in it with Senegal, who he’d previously led to a first triumph at the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualification.
“Because of his long lay-off, he also couldn’t have the impact at FC Bayern that we all and he himself had hoped for. That’s why we came to the joint decision that he’ll begin a new chapter in his career and make a new start at a different club. We wish him all the best and lots of success for the challenges ahead at Al-Nassr.”
Written by PA Sport staff.
Fabinho departs Premier League for Al-Ittihad
Yesterday, Brazilian superstar Fabinho completed his move from Anfield to Al-Ittihad, joining the exodus of star names packing their bags for the mega-rich Saudi ranks.
He became the second Liverpool player to make the switch, following Jordan Henderson’s switch to Al-Ettifaq.
The 29-year-old arrived in Merseyside from French outfit Monaco in 2018 and enjoyed a memorable time at the club.
He collected an abundance of silverware, including the Champions League and Premier League titles, plus the FA Cup and the Club World Cup.
Taking to social media following the move, the midfielder wrote: “Today I leave my home.
“It’s been five years wearing this jersey and always with the greatest honour and happiness possible.”
Written by Shaun Connolly, Beat.
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