Is Sadio Mane leaving Al-Nassr? Talk of the Senegalese star seeking a move away from the Saudi Pro League giants have been doing the rounds amid an alleged fallout with Cristiano Ronaldo. Al-Nassr have not had the best time in pre-season yet and it was seen when they were defeated 1-4 by archrivals Al-Hilal in the final of Saudi Super Cup on August 17. Ronaldo, Al-Nassr's only goal-scorer in the game, was visibly upset with the way his team gave away goals in the second half and even made a 'sleeping gesture' with his hands, potentially indicating that the players of his side had dozed off, allowing Al-Hilal to make a comeback. Cristiano Ronaldo Scores but Al-Nassr Loses 4–1 to Al-Hilal in Saudi Super Cup 2024.
Mane had joined Al-Nassr from Bayern Munich in 2023 and was a pretty useful addition to the side's attack. In 48 appearances so far for the Knights of Najd, Mane has scored 19 goals and registered 11 assists in all competitions. According to a report in Foot Mercato, the Senegal winger is likely to leave Al-Nassr because of a tense relationship with Ronaldo. The report further states that Mane was offered by Al-Nassr to other clubs, the likes of which includes Al-Ittihad. Mane's contract at Al-Nassr runs till 2026. Al-Hilal Captain Salem Aldawsari Recreates Lionel Messi’s ‘FIFA World Cup 2022 Celebration’ While Lifting Saudi Super Cup 2024 Defeating Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr in Final (Watch Video).
Meanwhile, there also has been talks of Al-Nassr looking to sack Portuguese head coach Luis Castro after the heartbreaking defeat in Saudi Super Cup 2024 final to archrivals Al-Hilal. Al-Nassr would have to make a massive improvement if they are to challenge for the Saudi Pro League 2024-25 title, with champions Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad and other teams in the mix. Ronaldo and his men had finished second on the Saudi Pro League table last season with Al-Hilal winning the title by a margin of 14 points.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 20, 2024 11:35 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).