Sadio Mane issues private message to Bukayo Saka at Ballon d’Or amid Liverpool links
On the Ballon d’Or red carpet, Sadio Mane and Bukayo Saka shared a moment as the Bayern Munich star whispered a message to the Arsenal man.
Mane joined the German champions in the summer, bringing his six-year spell at Liverpool to an end.
His contract was coming to an end, so he chose a new challenge, but the forward has spoken highly of his time on Merseyside.
There has been speculation that Liverpool would struggle without the Senegal international, whose goals were crucial to their success.
As a result, they may look to add a replacement on the left wing in the future, with Saka among those linked to the Reds as his contract situation remains unresolved.
Mane’s conversation with Saka was not overheard, but the 30-year-old must have only positive things to say about his time at Anfield under Jurgen Klopp.
Sadio Mané & Bukayo Saka with a serious hug at the Ballon D’Or red carpet. pic.twitter.com/Gv16FKH1Qn
— Get French Football News (@GFFN) October 17, 2022
The Arsenal player is in talks with the club about extending his contract, but several suitors are keeping an eye on the situation.
The Times previously reported that Liverpool and Manchester City were both watching to see how Saka’s contract negotiations progressed and would consider a move if they did.
Saka’s stature continues to rise, and he has emerged as one of the Gunners’ most important players.
His performances have made him a Three Lions mainstay, and his versatility is also a huge asset. Saka recently scored a brace against Liverpool, his second penalty kick securing a 3-2 victory for Arsenal as they maintain their lead in the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta, who has a strong relationship with Saka, was quizzed on his contract status back in August and said: “I am very confident that we as a club and Bukayo, his family, his agent, everybody, we are very much aligned in what we want to achieve and now it is about putting it on a piece of paper.
“I would like that to get done, because I don’t want the player or anybody distracted while we are in the middle of the season. But those things take time and they have to go through the right process, and I think the process has been really good.”
According to The Daily Mail, Saka did give a big hint that his future is at Arsenal by investing in an executive box at the Emirates.
The 21-year-old has five goals this season, and his stock could rise further if he plays a key role for England at the World Cup, which begins next month in Qatar.
Sadio Mane issues private message to Bukayo Saka at Ballon d’Or amid Liverpool links
