Liverpool are confident in their ability to get a special deal for star attacker Sadio Mane over the line.
The club have had an excellent transfer window, in terms of their buys and the new deals handed out to key players.
While the arrival of Alisson Becker, Naby Keita, Fabinho and Xherdan Shaqiri strengthens problem areas with world-class talent, retaining best of the existing squad is also a key challenge for clubs. So far the Reds are nailing it.
Mane has been in excellent form for Liverpool and is a key part in the way Jurgen Klopp sets out his side. And now the Evening Standard has reported that the Reds are confident that a contract extension will be signed.
The Senegal international still has some time left to run on his deal, which expires in 2021, and that means that the pace of negotiations won’t be a worry. Although they have been slow, talks remain positive and Liverpool are optimistic – wrote the newspaper.
If Klopp and the Anfield team can convince Mane that his best interests lie with extending his Merseyside stay, it will be a truly special deal. The former Southampton man brings pace, composure and finishing ability to the side – and has already displayed all three characteristics this season.
With Mohamed Salah on the other wing, the Reds have a remarkable double threat and can hit teams on the break using either player. Both have a keen eye for goal, but crucially they aren’t overly selfish and will pass when it appears to be the best option.
Klopp has spent a lot of money this season and has been able to attract excellent players thanks to the side’s progression to the Champions League final – but also on the basis of the project that he is building at Anfield.
Trying down key players like Mane for the next five years is also a vital part of that, and any contract confirmation would be special news for the club.