Bayern Munich have agreed terms with Liverpool to sign Sadio Mane, British media reported yesterday. German champions Bayern will pay a fee in the region of 35mn pounds ($42.71mn) for the signature of the 30-year-old Senegal forward, who had a year left on his Liverpool contract, Sky Sports and the BBC reported.
He is expected to sign a three-year contract and will undergo a medical next week. Mane will leave Anfield after 269 appearances, having scored 120 goals in all competitions, a stellar return that helped the club to the Champions League title in 2018-19 and the Premier League crown a season later.
He was among Liverpool’s stand-out performers last season, netting 23 times as Juergen Klopp’s side secured the domestic cup double and narrowly missed out on the league title to Manchester City. Mane won six trophies in all following his 34mn pounds switch from Southampton in June 2016, forming a potent attacking trio with Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino.
Klopp last month hailed Mane as “world class” and likened him to a “machine” but the player, eager for a new challenge, reportedly declined a new contract. Mane was Klopp’s first major signing after taking over as the German set about revitalising the club to take them back to the top after years of underwhelming results.
The Senegal international’s arrival proved to be transformative as his blend of pace, trickery and work off the ball guided Liverpool to Champions League qualification in his very first season. Mane will become Bayern’s third signing of the close season following the arrivals of Ajax Amsterdam duo Ryan Gravenberch and Noussair Mazrouai.
Portuguese star Vieira set for Arsenal move
Portuguese midfield star Fabio Vieira is to join Premier League side Arsenal from Porto for 35mn euros ($37mn) after both clubs had agreed a deal in principle, the selling side said yesterday. The 22-year-old, who was named player of last year’s Under-21 European Championships despite Portugal losing in the final to Germany, could cost the Gunners up to 40mn euros if he achieves certain targets.
Porto’s statement to the stock market added that he will sign a five year contract with Arsenal. Vieira played a key role in Porto’s domestic double last season, scoring seven goals and providing 16 assists. Should the deal be finalised he will become Arsenal’s third signing of the close season.
Arsenal — who finished fifth in the title race last season — secured the signing of 19-year-old Brazilian forward Marquinhos from Sao Paulo on Monday. They also signed American goalkeeper Matt Turner.
Mikel Arteta is looking to add creativity to his side after Arsenal narrowly missed out on a return to the Champions League last season. Leicester midfielder Youri Tielemans has also been linked with a move to the Emirates.
Tottenham sign Brighton midfielder Bissouma
Tottenham announced the signing yesterday of midfielder Yves Bissouma from Brighton for a reported fee of £25mn ($30mn), giving manager Antonio Conte his third signing of the transfer window. The highly rated Mali international shone as Brighton achieved their best-ever Premier League finish of ninth last season. Bissouma, 25, has signed a four-year deal and will join fellow new arrivals Ivan Perisic and Fraser Forster at the London club. Spurs will play in the Champions League next season after they pipped north London rivals Arsenal to fourth place in the Premier League. A £150mn investment from owners ENIC has boosted Conte’s transfer budget and the attraction of playing in Europe’s top club competition has made Tottenham a top draw.
Roca joins Leeds from Bayern Munich
Marc Roca became Leeds’s third signing of the transfer window yesterday as the Spanish midfielder completed a reported £10mn ($12mn) move from Bayern Munich. The 25-year-old has joined on a four-year deal after struggling for game time with the German giants.
The former Spanish under-21 international began his career at Espanyol before moving to the then European champions two years ago. But he made just 24 appearances in two seasons for the German champions. Roca’s arrival takes Leeds’ summer spending to close to £50mn ($61mn) after signing Brendan Aaronson and Rasmus Kristensen from Red Bull Salzburg.
Southampton sign goalkeepers Bazunu, Lis
Southampton announced the signing of goalkeepers Gavin Bazunu from Manchester City and free agent Mateusz Lis on five-year contracts. Irish international Bazunu will cost a reported £12mn ($14.5mn). The 20-year-old joined the Premier League champions as a 16-year-old from Shamrock Rovers before spending loan spells at Rochdale and Portsmouth.
The arrival of both ‘keepers follows the announcement of the departure of Southampton’s Fraser Forster, 34, who is joining Tottenham after his contract expires at the end of June.
Bazunu has starred in 10 international appearances, Poland’s Lis joins on a free transfer after his contract at Turkish club Altay expired.