Sadio Mane Open To Reunion With Koeman At Barcelona

Sadio Mane has established himself as a prolific soccer player but can only blossom if he steps outside the shadows of Liverpool's frontline. A move to FC Barcelona could make sense and see the Senegalese winger reuniting with former manager Ronald Koeman.

The word going around is that Mane is open to moving to Camp Nou to boost his chances of winning individual awards, Mundo Deportivo reported. He is believed to be frustrated with the role he has right now despite forming a vaunted frontline that includes Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino.

Koeman and Mane spent two years together at Southampton, where the winger drew the attention of Liverpool when he scored 25 goals in 75 games.

Unfortunately, winning Premier League and Champions League titles is not enough to gain individual respect. Mane acknowledged that he has won the respect of people, but most of the attention has gone to Salah and Jordan Henderson.

In addition, it appears that Mane's relationship with Jurgen Klopp is no longer the same, so a change of scenery could address what the Senegal player is looking for. But moving to Barca is easier said than done.

For Blaugrana to complete a move for Mane, roughly $142 million would be needed. Inserting the financial situation of clubs right now tied to the COVID-19 pandemic, that is a hefty sum to meet.

Aside from that, resources may be low considering Barca invested heavily in the past years on Ousmane Dembele, Antoine Griezmann and Philippe Coutinho.

According to an earlier report, Liverpool has been exploring options for Mane. The Reds have yet to renew Mane's deal, and this is a cause for alarm considering he could leave the club this summer.

A possible deal involving Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain has also been suggested. It would be a big transfer, but nothing progressed since rumors came out in June. However, PSG's Champions League loss could factor in and rekindle possible Mbappe transfer moves.

Barcelona has been in turmoil as of late, with Lionel Messi wanting to move out. Luis Suarez is looking for a new team, and more are speculated to follow.

Messi looks determined to move out but plans to speak with Barca management first to exit amicably.