Home

Soccer

Galatasaray Eyes Sadio Mane: Potential Move Looms for Cristiano Ronaldo’s Disappointed Al Nassr Teammate After Unfulfilled Promise to Saudi Fans – Reports

Published 03/13/2024, 4:52 AM EDT

Follow Us

via Reuters

Al Nassr’s highly aspirational project has almost reached a dead-end this season. Despite a mass influx of highly reputed players into their squad, the club in yellow has very little chance of winning a major trophy this season. One player who could be disappointed is former Liverpool star, Sadio Mane who was expected to be the next best to Cristiano Ronaldo in the squad. Hence, the player could see another migration to Galatasaray after not being able to deliver on his promise made.

Al Nassr’s shocking departure from the AFC Champions League can lead to quite a few changes in the squad. But, the Turkish club’s interest in Mane dates back to before their Champions League debacle. And according to senior journalist Zaki Uzundurukan, Galatasaray is expected to have talks with the Senegalese international after the season. The Turkish Champions are already having an excellent season but with few of the contracts like Hakim Ziyech coming to an end, the club is looking for good alternatives.

 

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Sadio Mane has been having a tough time since leaving Liverpool. Being one of the vital members of Jurgen Klopp’s team, Mane had a brilliant partnership with Mohammed Salah at Anfield. However, after opting to try a different challenge in Germany, the player could not keep up with them. He scored just 12 goals in 38 games for Bayern Munich the previous season before arriving in Riyadh.

Moreover, it has been a bittersweet spell in Saudi Arabia for the 31-year-old. Although scoring 13 goals with 7 assists this season, he lacked the cutting edge to take over them in crucial stages. Recently, the club dropped some crucial points in the Saudi Pro League in a couple of games, moving them further away from the title race. However, the experienced winger could not manage to bail them out. In addition, his performances in both legs of the ACL quarterfinals could lead him to rethink.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Sadio Mane falls short of his promise

Frustration was evident in Mane’s performance during the second leg against Al Ain. He was seen grabbing the rival player’s throat. Earlier, Sadio Mane distraught with his performances, assured the Al Nassr fans of winning the game saying, “I am ashamed of my level, but I promise you that Monday’s match is life or death for me and we will win it for you.” However, Al Nassr fell short in penalties despite making up for the goal deficit in the second leg with a 4-3 scoreline.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest Soccer stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

On the other hand, Al Hilal is running away with the Saudi Pro League being 12 points ahead. Nevertheless, with a couple of months before the season ends, looks like the 2019 UEFA Champions League winner will aim to salvage the King’s Cup and the Saudi Super Cup which are still at hand before thinking about his future.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Ruthu

796Articles

One take at a time

Ruthu is a Soccer Writer at EssentiallySports. Growing up in a sporting background, he found a passion for soccer through the remarkable 2002 World Cup-winning Brazilian team. Ruthu brings an out-of-the-box perspective with writing, as he possesses the ability to view the game from different critical angles, a skill that sets apart a sports journalist.
Show More>

Edited by:

Ariva Debnath