SADIO MANÉ’S LEGACY AT LIVERPOOL

Liverpool rejected two bids from Bayern Munich for Sadio Mané last week but the Bavarians have increased their bid and found an agreement for the player. A fee was agreed yesterday after intervention by Sadio himself (if you believe reports).

An initial £27.5million which then rises to £35.5million in add-ons signals the end of one of the most exceptional Liverpool careers of this century. It’s been a fantastic six year spell in Merseyside for the Senegalese superstar and he no doubt leaves behind an enviable legacy.

This love story begun in 2016. With former Klopp protege Mario Goetze turning down the chance to herald the start of the new era, Liverpool switched attentions to a Southampton winger who was destined for the very top.

A £30million deal was struck with the Saints as Sadio turned down the chance to join Louis Van Gaal’s Manchester United. He was the injection of pace the side needed as he joined Brazilians Coutinho and Firmino in attack.

There was a lot of consternation online over just how much Liverpool had paid for ‘an inconsistent winger’, but you could tell this was a match made in heaven when Sadio tore through Arsenal’s backline to net a dazzling dream goal on his debut.

His searing pace and work ethic married Jürgen Klopp’s gegenpressing requirements perfectly. His all round game developed at a rapid rate under the German’s guidance. In his first season, he was crowned Liverpool Player of the Year as he helped secure Champions League qualification.

He was named in the PFA Team of the Year as well, proving a smash success with devastating displays on the right wing. Mohamed Salah arrived in the summer of 2017 and Sadio was moved to the left wing to accommodate the Egyptian.

There was no sulking, as Sadio went on to form arguably the greatest front three in Premier League history, alongside Salah and Firmino. The trio netted a staggering 91 goals between them in their first season together, with Sadio bagging 20 as they tore through defences across Europe.

He was as effective on the left wing as he was on the right, if not more so. In his third season at the club, he played a crucial part in the Reds clinching the Champions League. He shared the Golden Boot with Salah and Aubameyang, an impressive feat considering he didn’t take any penalties.

He got even better the following season as he dragged the side kicking and screaming to some crucial wins on the way to lifting a first league title in three decades. He had completed his transformation into one of the very best players in the world as he was constantly in and around the Ballon d’Or conversation.

Fast forward to the just ended season and he sacrificed his role on the left wing to take up a new position through the middle following the arrival of Luis Diaz. AFCON success and World Cup qualification with Senegal saw him grow in stature.

He led the charge for an unprecedented quadruple as he reinvented himself as a false nine. He ended the season as the club’s topscorer in the calendar year as he once again broke the 20 goal barrier (for the 4th time in 6 seasons).

It’s a shame that his last appearance for the club ended in defeat in the Champions League final. His has been a Liverpool career that started off at 200 miles per hour and never slowed since.

He was the first ‘big’ signing of the Klopp era and has been here for all the thrills and spills. Most of the success that we’ve enjoyed was built on his back. His workrate, strength and sheer never give up attitude made him a fan favourite.

There has been so many spectacular moments as well. From the injury time winner at Goodison, the hat trick at Porto, the backheel chip against Watford, the spin and chip against Bayern, the Supercup double and the last gasp winner at Villa.

How could I forget the overhead kick against Norwich, or the double at Wembley to put City to the sword, or the exquisite assist for Salah against Manchester United, etc etc. It’s been an absolute joy to have had the privilege to watch him all these years.

It’s been six years of pure bliss. Sadio played his heart out week in week out for the badge, for the fans and for the club. He was a true leader in the squad and his linkup with Robertson down the left flank was such a cornerstone to what Klopp built.

He won all there is to win in England and deserves a fresh start in Germany where he will no doubt add to his trophy haul. He came, he saw, he obliterated. All the best to a modern day Liverpool legend.