Senegal forward Sadio Mane has made a surprise move from Bayern Munich to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, where he will have the opportunity to play alongside five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 31-year-old struggled in Germany following his move from Liverpool, as he scored 12 goals in 38 games for Bayern during an underwhelming season.
The transfer comes after reports of a physical altercation between Mane and Leroy Sane in the Manchester City dressing room following a Champions League game in April. Bayern reportedly recouped most of the £35 million they paid Liverpool for Mane a year ago.
Sadio Mane is officially an Al Nassr player.#3Sports pic.twitter.com/DBj0cQzRae
— #3Sports (@3SportsGh) August 1, 2023
Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel confirmed the departure, stating, “We had a long, big hug, and we both agreed we don’t like what’s happening now, but we think it’s the best solution in this situation. Sometimes things don’t work out as everybody wants. I have always had a very good relationship with him, and this will stay.”
Al-Nassr signed Cristiano Ronaldo in December and has since been assembling an impressive squad with the recent additions of Croatia midfielder Marcelo Brozovic, Brazil full-back Alex Telles, and Ivory Coast midfielder Seko Fofana.