Former Liverpool defender questions Sadio Mane’s departure and gives Darwin Nunez verdict

Seb Sternik
18 June 2022

Sadio Mane of Liverpool FC during the UEFA Champions League final

Sadio Mane is set to join Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich after the German club struck a £35m deal with Liverpool. One former player though, has questioned the move.

Mane spent six years at Anfield and helped the club to six trophies during a highly-successful spell under manager Jurgen Klopp.

Despite his numerous achievements at Merseyside, the Senegal international is now set for a move to Bavaria - a decision questioned by former Liverpool defender Jose Enrique.

The former player told Sky Sports: "It's not the best money you can get, but there's one year left and he wants to leave. He's won everything with Liverpool. I don't understand it, but money wise Bayern have offered him a massive contract and we move on.

"It's a massive loss. Mane and Mo Salah have been Liverpool's best players since Luis Suarez."

Liverpool have already signed Mane's replacement after splashing £85million on Benfica striker Darwin Nunez.

The Uruguay international found the back of the net 26 times in 28 league games last season, and finished his 85-match spell in Portugal with a total of 48 goals across all competitions.

'Robertson and Trent will love Núñez!' 🌟

Jose Enrique reviews Liverpool's transfer business so far this summer 🔴pic.twitter.com/7woGpDlvIQ
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) June 18, 2022

"I really like Darwin Nunez," said Enrique. "I've followed him since Almeria times. Let's see if he can deal with the price tag and the pressure of playing Liverpool, if he can he can be a top, top player for us.

"The only doubt about Darwin is about age wise and transfer fee wise. I don't believe Liverpool are going to change too much, People have talked about changing the system but Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold will be happy having a player like Darwin Nunez there."

Nunez is expected to feature during Liverpool's pre-season tour in July which includes games against Manchester United, Crystal Palace, RB Leipzig and Strasbourg.

His first taste of Premier League action will come away at Craven Cottage when the Reds kick off their domestic campaign against Fulham on August 6.