Sadio Mane contract standoff explained by reliable journalist

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We’d really, really, really like Sadio Mane to put pen to paper on a bumper new Liverpool deal.

He’s one of our most important players, was rewarded the no.10 this summer, has bagged 18 goals in his past 30 matches and has a brilliant offensive relationship with Roberto Firmino and Mo Salah.

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But while his team-mates extended their deals earlier in 2018 and are contracted to the club until 2024 and 2023 respectively, Mane has yet to sign.

James Pearce of the Echo explained during a Q&A yesterday that at the moment, there’s nothing to worry about, as the Senegalese has two and half years left to run, but did indicate that it’s a situation that could become problematic eventually.

“Sadio Mane is under contract until 2021. Liverpool made it clear towards the end of last season that they would be willing to reward his progress with a new long-term deal and preliminary talks were opened,” Pearce said. 

“Clearly, those discussions have yet to reach a conclusion but Liverpool don’t seem overly concerned about the situation. Mane is clearly happy at Anfield and the Reds have a good relationship with his agent Bjorn Bezemer.

“With Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino having penned new long-term contracts this year, Mane is the next priority.

“If the situation remains unresolved come next summer then a degree of concern would be understandable but I don’t see it as a big issue currently.”

We imagine the current impasse is about money, as most contract debates are. Liverpool are surely willing to make Mane one of our highest paid players, in line with Mo and Bobby, but perhaps his agent is looking for more.

Perhaps the 26-year-old can prove he’s worth it in the coming months, which we’ll be delighted with.

Mane is worth a monstrous contract, and we think he’ll eventually sign one – but having witnessed what happened with Emre Can – it’s a little frustrating.

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