Former Premier League defender Danny Mills believes securing the future of Sadio Mane at Liverpool is a mere formality. 

This comes after journalist Fabrizio Romano claimed on his Here We Go Podcast that the Reds are preparing to open negotiations with the 29-year-old over a new deal. 

Mane is currently under contract at Anfield until 2023 having signed a five-year extension in 2018 (The Guardian). 

Speaking to Football Insider, Mills claimed that the Senegalese ace won’t need persuading before committing to the club. 

Players aren’t daft. They know what they are doing, they know the situation. They play the game a little bit. He’s happy to stay – otherwise, you wouldn’t open negotiations. I’m sure he’s made it clear to his agents what he wants and now it is up for them to get on with it. A year, 18 months, you’ve got the African Cup of Nations in there as well, it’s a long time in football. It’s a long time to sit out, to sit out 18 months is hard work. If you don’t want to be there, to sit there and wait on your future, it’s difficult. It’s about the right time to open talks with 18 months left. It’s a long way out. They’ll make him an offer and he’ll make it clear if he wants to stay or go. Then it’s just about numbers.

So far this season Mane has scored nine goals and provided one assist in 18 appearances across all competitions. 

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Kopites will certainly hope the long-term future of their 80-cap Senegal star is sorted sooner rather than later. 

Along with the protracted negotiations over Mohamed Salah’s new deal, the club are in a precarious position regarding their two most valuable assets. 

Valued at £76.5million (Transfermarkt) and clearly still with plenty to offer Jurgen Klopp’s side, making Mane a Red for many years to come will delight everyone associated with the club. 

All of these negotiations come as owners FSG complete their acquisition of the NHL ice hockey team Pittsburgh Penguins – perhaps further empowering the group financially. 

Does Sadio Mane Deserve A New Contract?

Yes

No