Real Madrid To Target $89M Star If They Fail To Sign Mbappe Or Haaland: Report

Real Madrid are reportedly interested in signing Liverpool FC striker Sadio Mane ahead of the 2022 summer transfer window.

Mane is contracted with Liverpool until 2023. Real Madrid are heavily being linked to the duo of Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland. If Los Blancos fail to sign either of the two young superstar forwards, the La Liga leaders have made Mane their next target, Spanish outlet Fichajes reported.

The report further stated that Real Madrid's initial plan was to target Mane at the end of his contract in 2023.

Mane moved from Southampton to Liverpool in the summer of 2016. Over the years, the Senegal national has netted 108 goals and 44 assists in 247 competitive appearances for Liverpool. He recently helped his national team to win their maiden African Cup of Nations (AFCON). Incidentally, the final was between Senegal and Mohamed Salah's Egypt, and it was Mane who came at the top in the end as he netted the winning penalty for Senegal.

Even though Mane's market value curve is on the decline, the current value is around $89 million, according to Transfermarkt. The Reds certainly would not want to lose the striker for free.

The trio of Roberto Firmino, Salah and Mane fired Liverpool to their sixth Champions League title in the 2018-19 season, but the best was yet to come. All three played a significant role as the Anfield side ended their 30-year wait to be crowned the champions of England the following season. While it was Liverpool's first Premier League title, it was their 19th league title overall.

Along with Mane, Salah and Firmino are also out of contracts in 2023. By the time the 2022-23 season begins, all three players will be over 30. By bringing in Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz, the Reds have hinted that they are looking to the future.

While it is clear that Liverpool will go out of their way to convince Salah to stay, there is still uncertainty the management will offer a long-term deal to the other two strikers.

Mane has netted 11 goals and an assist in 29 matches for Liverpool in the ongoing campaign, while Firmino has eight goals and four assists in 24 games. Salah, who has been in terrific form this term, has already notched up 25 goals and nine assists in 30 matches.

Liverpool are currently placed second in the 2021-22 Premier League table. The Reds are also alive in the Champions League this season, along with Real Madrid, who are also at the top of the La Liga table.