Since leaving Liverpool for Bayern Munich, things haven’t exactly gone to plan for Sadio Mane.
After six hugely successful seasons with Liverpool, during which time he won both the Champions League and Premier League, Mane opted to pursue a new challenge in German football – joining Bayern in a £35m move last summer.
While Mane had only one year remaining on his Liverpool contract at the time of the transfer, it still looked like an astute piece of business by the Bundesliga club.
Mane had just finished second to Karim Benzema for the 2022 Ballon d’Or after another prolific campaign for the Reds, in which he managed 23 goals and five assists in all competitions.
But he has struggled to hit those same heights since joining Bayern, with a leg injury hampering his progress at his new club.
Mane made a promising start in Germany, scoring 11 goals and providing four assists by the middle of November.
But the Senegal international then suffered an injury to a tendon in his right fibula and was forced to undergo surgery, ruling him out of the World Cup in Qatar.
After three months on the sidelines, Mane made his long-awaited return to the team last month.
But since then, he is yet to score and has managed only one assist for the Bundesliga leaders.
Mane makes Bayern fans promise
When asked by Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg when Bayern fans might see the same player that terrorised defences at Liverpool, Mane simply replied: “Soon. I promise you.”
Liverpool have struggled this season without Mane and are now eighth in the Premier League following Tuesday’s goalless draw with Chelsea.
Speaking last month, Mane said he was convinced the club would rediscover their form and gave his full backing to under-fire Reds boss Jurgen Klopp.
“Liverpool will be back,” Mane told German outlet BILD. “I’m convinced they will overcome this situation.
“They had many injuries and tough tests, but Jurgen Klopp is definitely the right man. He will lead Liverpool back up, from this season – the players love him.”
