The desire for a 'new challenge' convinced Sadio Mane to swap Liverpool for Bayern Munich last summer, but the Senegal legends aspirations have quickly turned sour.
After Bayern failed to sign a like-for-like replacement for Robert Lewandowski, it immediately seemed as if Mane, who scored 120 goals in 269 appearances for Liverpool, would emerge as a pivotal performer within Julian Nagelsmann's flexible framework at the Allianz Arena.
There was initial promise with Nagelsmann deploying the new arrival in a more central position, but a change in system from the now departed boss coincided with a drop in form. Mane, more an inside forward, was often thrust out to the wing which saw his productivity decline sharply.
Overall, Bayern have failed to play to Mane's strengths, while injuries have also played a role in an incredibly frustrating season for the 31-year-old. The 2022 African Footballer of the Year has been such a disappointment that Die Roten are seemingly already keen to move on.
Mane has therefore been linked with a move away this summer, with a number of potential candidates a good match...
Chelsea
Mauricio Pochettino clamoured for the signing of Mane during the formative stages of his Tottenham tenure and reports have already emerged of the Argentine requesting the winger's signature at Chelsea before he's even been officially confirmed as the Blues' next boss!
Nevertheless, it isn't at all surprising for Chelsea to be linked with a player like Mane. However, questions should be asked over whether he fulfils an obvious need. He's not the out-and-out number nine Pochettino requires, and the Blues have already splurged huge amounts of money to bring wide forwards like of Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke and Raheem Sterling to the club.
Mane is at his best when given the freedom to operate from the inside left position. While he possesses destructive instincts inside the area, he's not the focal point Poch loves. The Senegalese superstar is a wonderful accessory, however.
Liverpool
Mane admitted the time was right to leave Liverpool last summer, but it may already be the optimal time for a reunion...
The 31-year-old established himself as a modern-day legend at Anfield as he played a key role in the club's first league title victory in 30 years in 2020, as well as Champions League success in 2019. Mane is adored on the red side of the city and every Liverpool supporter would surely welcome back with open arms.
However, the squad is in rebuild mode and some might query whether a reunion with Mane would be the smartest move. In Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo, Liverpool have two potential cornerstones for the future. Moreover, the likelihood of Mane actually returning so soon seems slim.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid were long linked with a move for Mohamed Salah, but some Spanish media outlets have reported the club was also keen on signing Mane during Zinedine Zidane's reign.
A cut-price move for Mane now might make some sense for Los Blancos, even if it goes against their recent transfer policy of signing elite young talent. However, Mane could provide ample support for Vinicius Junior down the left, and perhaps fill in for Karim Benzema in a central position when needed.
Carlo Ancelotti has also deployed a 4-4-2 system on occasion this season which would allow Mane to work in tandem with Benzema.
Napoli
Napoli are not concerned with the transfer window right now after they recently secured their third Scudetto triumph and first since 1990. Naples is yet to sleep.
Savvy recruitment last summer laid the foundations for their title success and Napoli's majesty means many of their players will be subject of intrigue from Europe's elite. Impending Capocannoniere winner Victor Osimhen is bound to have plenty of suitors, including Bayern.
The Nigerian sharp-shooter would be a good match and some in Germany have quickly speculated whether Napoli and Bayern could work out some sort of exchange tha might see Osimhen and Mane move in opposite directions.
However, the financial viability of such a deal is debatable, while the electric Khvicha Kvaratskhelia currently occupies Mane's preferred role in Luciano Spalletti's 4-3-3.
This article was originally published on 90min as Potential destinations for Sadio Mane this summer.
