Bayern Munich striker Sadio Mane has been signed by Saudi side Al Nassr, as announced by the club on Tuesday.
The Saudi league, known for its financial prowess, has added the Senegalese international as the latest high-profile player to be associated with five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo.
The transfer of the former Liverpool star has been announced by both clubs, and according to German media, the deal is worth around 30 million euros. Mane’s contract will see him earn an annual salary of 40 million euros, in addition to 10 million euros in results-based bonuses.
Mane, aged 31, is now a member of the club that achieved the first major signing in a string of acquisitions by Saudi clubs, starting with the acquisition of Ronaldo.
Throughout his six seasons at Liverpool, Mane was a crucial contributor to the team’s successes in both the Champions League and Premier League. He formed an unstoppable front three alongside Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino, under the guidance of Jurgen Klopp.
In 2022, Mane won the African Player of the Year award and subsequently joined Bayern.
Read also: Transfer: Sadio Mane Nears Move To Al Nassr
After an encouraging start to the season, it became clear that Mane was experiencing difficulties fitting into the setup in Bavaria.
Mane’s season came to a halt after he suffered an injury to his fibula during a Bundesliga game against Werder Bremen in November.
As a result of the injury, he was unable to participate in the World Cup in Qatar at the end of last year, which dealt a devastating blow to Senegal’s chances.
Upon his return to the Bayern team in 2023, Mane’s issues came to the forefront when he was involved in a physical altercation with teammate Leroy Sane after a Champions League defeat to Manchester City.
As per reports, Bayern fined Mane around 350,000 euros ($385,000) and imposed a one-match suspension on him due to his involvement in the incident.
Mane’s season concluded with a rather unsatisfactory tally of 12 goals in 38 games across all competitions.
However, with two years remaining on his contract, Mane has decided to move from Bayern.
Mane played a crucial part in helping Senegal secure the Africa Cup of Nations title in 2022.
Apart from Ronaldo, Al Nassr has been active in the summer transfer window, bringing in notable names like Croatia midfielder Marcelo Brozovic, Brazil full-back Alex Telles, and Ivory Coast midfielder Seko Fofana.