Liverpool are close to completing their third signing this summer, after Southampton star Sadio Mane completed his medical examinations at Spire Liverpool Hospital in Mossley Hill on Monday.
The Senegalese international was spotted wearing Liverpool training shorts with the number 29, and The Daily Mirror believe Mane could be wearing number 29 at his new club. Presently, no Liverpool player is wearing the number 29, and the number seems to be available for Mane.
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Italian striker Fabio Borini was the last Liverpool player to wear the number 29 at Anfield, before leaving for Sunderland. However, Liverpool fans might want to wait for an official announcement before getting Mane’s name on the back of their shirts.
It’s worth pointing out Mane had number 10 on the back of his shirt at Southampton, but that is already taken by Brazilian star Philippe Coutinho.
Liverpool Echo report the Merseyside club are waiting for Mane’s medical result, whilst the club are also discussing personal terms with his representatives. An announcement could be made tomorrow should everything go according to plan.
There are conflicting reports on the fee agreed between both the clubs. Most media outlets in England believe a fee of £30m has been agreed, but reports later emerged today suggesting Liverpool have agreed to pay £34m plus £2m in bonuses.
Mane could be Liverpool’s second most expensive buy, if Liverpool have reportedly agreed to pay £34m for him and could also potentially beat Andy Carroll’s transfer fee of £35m.
Earlier, Liverpool were linked to the likes of Leroy Sane and Mario Gotze, but it seems the Reds had to settle for an alternative target. Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is said to be a long-term admirer of Sadio Mane, and has been following him since his time at Borussia Dortmund.
Mane is Klopp’s fourth signing as a Liverpool manager, after already completing deals for Marko Grujic, Joel Matip, and Loris Karius. The 24-year-old will also become the most expensive player Klopp has signed a manager at any of his clubs.
Many Liverpool players are now expected to leave the club, with the future of Joe Allen, Christian Benteke, Mario Balotelli, Martin Skrtel, and Jordon Ibe in doubt. The Reds are not participating in any European competition next season, so Klopp might want to keep a smaller and competitive squad.
Liverpool start their pre-season training later this week, whilst they play their first friendly game against Tranmere Rovers on July 8th, and Mane could very will feature in the match.
