In a surprising turn of events, Bayern Munich has officially confirmed that Sadio Mane is on the brink of leaving the club after just one season.
The Senegalese forward is said to be in advanced talks with Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, with a deal believed to be in its final stages.
Speculations about Mane's departure began to circulate when he was conspicuously absent from Bayern's squad for a friendly match against Kawasaki Frontale in Japan.
The 31-year-old's omission raised eyebrows, prompting inquiries about his status at the club. The rumors were put to rest as Bayern Munich took to social media to clarify the situation.
In a tweet showcasing their lineup for the friendly encounter, the club revealed, "Sadio Mane is in contract talks about a change of club and is therefore not in the squad today."
Mane's time at Bayern Munich was far from ideal, marred by inconsistency in form and persistent injury setbacks.
Moreover, an infamous altercation with fellow teammate Leroy Sane within the dressing room added to the Senegalese forward's woes during his short stint in Bavaria.
The player's decision to part ways with Bayern comes as no surprise, given the challenging circumstances he faced during his time at the club.
However, fans of the German giants will undoubtedly feel disappointed at not witnessing Mane's true potential.
The focus now shifts to the eagerly anticipated move to Al-Nassr, where he will be joining forces with none other than Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Saudi Pro League club has reportedly struck a deal with Bayern, and Mane is expected to undergo a medical examination soon. An official announcement is likely to be made in the coming days.
For Sadio Mane, this new chapter could represent a fresh start, an opportunity to reignite his career and prove his worth in a different footballing environment.
As the transfer nears completion, football enthusiasts around the world will be eagerly anticipating the official confirmation of this high-profile move.