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Besiktas is preparing one of the boldest transfer moves in recent memory, with the black-and-whites targeting Senegalese superstar Sadio Mane to reinforce their left wing.
Having already pursued Vaclav Cerny for the right flank, the Istanbul club is now in contact with Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr to negotiate a potential deal for Mane.
According to reports from Turkish media, Besiktas is set to open formal talks with Al Nassr, where Mane has been playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.
After three seasons in Saudi Arabia, the 32-year-old forward has decided to seek a new challenge. While several top European clubs were monitoring his situation, the closing of the summer transfer window ended those possibilities.
Besiktas, however, have kept their interest alive, and if negotiations prove successful, Mane could soon be wearing the black-and-white jersey.
Born on April 10, 1992, in the village of Bambali, Senegal, Mane began his football journey at the local academy Generation Foot. His talent quickly took him to Europe, joining Metz in 2011.
From there, he moved to Red Bull Salzburg in 2012, where he won both the Austrian league and cup, marking his first major breakthrough.
Mane’s career gained further momentum with Southampton, where he made history by scoring the fastest hat-trick in Premier League history—just 176 seconds. In 2016, he transferred to Liverpool for £34 million ($45.67 million), becoming the most expensive African player at the time.
At Anfield, he spent six unforgettable seasons:
In 2022, Mane moved to Bayern Munich, adding a Bundesliga title to his collection before transferring to Al Nassr in 2023. In Saudi Arabia, he partnered with Cristiano Ronaldo and found the net 27 times in all competitions.
International glory
On the international stage, Mane has been a key figure for Senegal. He has represented his country 113 times, scoring 45 goals.
His crowning moment came in 2022, when he led Senegal to their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title. For his achievements, he was named African Footballer of the Year twice, in 2019 and 2022.
Mane’s reputation extends far beyond football. Widely respected for his philanthropy, he has invested in his hometown, funding schools, hospitals, and solar energy projects. These efforts have made him a role model both on and off the field.
He also went viral on social media after being filmed cleaning a mosque’s toilets and ablution area, an act that showcased his humility, lack of arrogance, and deep commitment to the Islamic faith. These qualities have made him a role model both on and off the field.
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