Lionel Messi told Barcelona he would only sign a new contract if they signed Sadio Mane from Liverpool, says Bayern players agent.
According to Mane’s agent, Lionel Messi reportedly demanded that Barcelona sign Sadio Mane in the summer of 2021.
The Argentine, who left Barca in 2021, was ready to sign a new contract at the club but would only do that if the La Liga side signed the former Liverpool attacker.
Speaking to RMC Sport via Sportsmail, Mane’s agent Bacary Cisse said:
“Last year, it could have also happened with FC Barcelona.
“It was Lionel Messi who imposed Sadio Mane in the deal when it was a question of him extending to Barca. He had given two names: Sadio Mane and an Argentinian central defender.”
Mane moved to Bayern Munich this summer after six years at Anfield, where he won every possible trophy.
But his agent Cisse has revealed that PSG were interested in signing Mane this summer. But a deal for the Senegalese ended because of the departure of club chief Leonardo.
“Yes, PSG did indeed “attack” Sadio,” Cisse said.
“Leonardo had several contacts with the German agent. They saw each other and discussed the ins and outs of a possible transfer of Sadio at PSG, but it ended there.
“Everyone knows that Leonardo was on an ejection seat – we had to wait.”
Messi previously showed his admiration for Mane when he voted for him to win the FIFA Best Award three years ago.
The 30-year-old finished fourth that year and Messi said:
“It’s a shame to see Mane finish in fourth place. But I think there have been a lot of great players this year. That’s why it was difficult to choose a particular player.
“But I chose Sadio Mane (for The Best award) because he’s a player I like. Mane achieved a great year that was exceptional for the entire Liverpool team. That’s why I chose him.”
