John Barnes: Why Sadio Mane won’t quit Liverpool FC for Real Madrid
Liverpool FC legend John Barnes doesn't expect Sadio Mane to move to Real Madrid this summer
John Barnes has claimed that Real Madrid are no longer a bigger club than Liverpool FC, adding that Sadio Mane won’t move to The Bernabeu.
The Reds will start the new Premier League season with a home clash against Norwich City on Friday night.
Mane is unlikely to start against the Championship winners given that the Senegal international only returned to first-team training this week after the winger was given an extended break following his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations.
The former Southampton forward has been regularly linked with a move to Real Madrid over the past 12 months following his thrilling performances against Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino.
Liverpool FC won the Champions League title last season thanks to a 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the Madrid showpiece.
And former Reds captain Barnes believes Liverpool FC shouldn’t worry about losing one of their best players as the Reds are no longer in the shadow of European giants Real Madrid.
“The days are gone where Real Madrid can sign anyone,” Barnes told BonusCodeBets.
“Now the Premier League is the place to play. Are Madrid better than Liverpool? I don’t necessarily think they are. I don’t think (Sadio) Mane will leave at all. Of course, he could fit into any team, but I’d be surprised if he went to Real Madrid.”
Liverpool FC finished in second place in the Premier League table last season and a point adrift of champions Manchester City after a pulsating title race.
The Merseyside outfit haven’t won the Premier League title but have finished in second place in 2002, 2009, 2014 and 2018.
Klopp took over the reins of Liverpool FC in 2015.
