How Lionel Messi ‘Desperately’ Wanted Sadio Mane to Quit Liverpool for Barcelona Revealed

• Senegal ace Sadio Mane may have completed a move to Bayern Munich but could have been playing for Barcelona if Lionel Messi had his way
• The Liverpool legend was on the transfer wishlist of Barcelona following Messi's personal recommendation and condition before renewing his stay with the Catalans two seasons ago
• Despite Messi's keen interest for Barcelona to pursue Mane, the deal did not materialize while the Argentine also left his beloved Spanish outfit on a free transfer

Sadio Mane's advisor, Bacary Cisse, has detailed how Paris Saint-Germain superstar Lionel Messi was bent on playing alongside the Senegalese at FC Barcelona, two seasons ago.

Mane recently ended his six-year association with Liverpool last week following his transfer to Bayern Munich in a deal worth £35.1 million.

The 30-year-old attacker will wear the No. 17 jersey for the German champions in the upcoming season.

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However, the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations winner could have ended his stint with the Reds two seasons earlier, on the back of Lionel Messi's request.

According to the player's advisor, Mane appeared on the radar of the Catalan giants based on a recommendation made by the then-captain and talisman Lionel Messi.

At the time, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner was negotiating a contract extension with Barcelona and included a clause which demanded Barcelona signs Sadio Mane, however, Messi's dreams of partnering with Mane did not suffice.

"Last year it could have also happened with FC Barcelona," Cisse told French outlet RMC Sport as quoted by SPORTSBible.

"It was Lionel Messi who imposed Sadio Mane in the deal when it was a question of him extending to Barca.

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"He had given two names: Sadio Mane and an Argentinian central defender."

Man United legend names Sadio Mane among top five African players in Premier League history

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Sadio Mane is among the top five best African players to grace the Premier League, according to former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand.

Liverpool are set to receive £27.4m upfront from Bayern Munich, who managed to acquire the services of Senegal forward on a deal that runs until 2025.

This came after the Merseyside club initially turned down two bids for Mane.