Liverpool Football Club last night announced that they had managed to tie down Senegalese international Sadio Mane to a longer term deal.

According to Sky Sports the new contract will keep the forward at Anfield until at least 2023.

Reds manager Jurgen Klopp told the club’s website that he was delighted for everyone at the club with the news:

“This is a big boost for everyone and another demonstration of how the players we have at this club are committed, not just to our present but our future also,”

I’m in complete agreement with the German coach that this is a great deal for the club.

Sadio has been in fine form this term. He’s scored six goals in eleven Premier League games so far this season. When Mohamed Salah was struggling for goals at the start of the season, Mane was the player that seemed to step up and take up the added responsibility.

Mane hasn’t made an assist yet in the league but he has made twelve in the last two seasons, so I’d expect him to get between seven and ten before the season ends. That’s what I’d be hoping for if I were his boss, knowing he’s playing alongside the likes of Salah, Roberto Firmino and Xherdan Shiqiri.

According to Whoscored, the twenty-six year old is making 2.5 shots per game and around 1.7 dribbles per league outing. He’s also been the most fouled Liverpool player so far this season.

The forward possesses terrific pace and can be lethal in front of goal. In total he’s scored forty goals in eighty-nine Liverpool appearances. His best scoring season saw him score thirteen strikes in the Premier League, with this new contact he should be aiming to break the twenty goal barrier this term.

The player himself stated to Liverpoolfc.com how happy he was to have signed his new contract and his desire to bring a major trophy to Anfield:

‘I am very happy, very happy to extend my time at Liverpool. It is a great day for me and now I am looking forward to everything – to helping the team, to helping the club achieve our dreams and, especially, to win trophies.’

You’ve got to believe that’s a sentiment that Klopp and is whole squad will be in agreement with. The club’s support are desperate to win their first Premier League title.

The deal will hopefully help in securing that long term goal.

The attacker had been linked with a move to Real Madrid, with JOE reporting he’d agreed terms with the La Liga giants last summer. So keeping him at the club highlights Liverpool are now in a stronger position when it comes to keeping their players.

At twenty-six, Sadio Mane should be approaching his peak years and that should mean that his overall stats could be improving in the next few seasons.

Liverpool have managed to take away an unnecessary distraction by getting this deal over the line. It’s strengthened their position and should keep the squad and the club’s fans happy too.

It’s an ideal boost and Jurgen Klopp will be hoping it can give his side extra momentum as they seek to overtake Manchester City in the title race!

Posted on November 23rd, 2018 by scott
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