By Kevin Phillips

29th May, 2022 | 4:00pm

Liverpool could be forced into '£100m' payout amid Sadio Mane exit verdict - pundit

Liverpool could be forced to spend £100million in order to replace Sadio Mane’s firepower in the long-term if he leaves for Bayern Munich, according to Kevin Phillips.

The former Sunderland striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed Jurgen Klopp’s side should not consider selling the 30-year-old unless he is “100% adamant” about an exit.

According to L’Equipe (27 May), Mane is “close” to joining Bayern Munich on a three-year deal this summer.

The report claims he will fetch a fee of around €30million (£25.5million).

Speaking to Sky Sports on Wednesday (25 May), the former Southampton star explained that he will reveal where his future lies after the conclusion of Saturday’s (28 May) Champions League final against Real Madrid.

Mane, who has netted 23 goals in 50 games this season, is out of contract next summer.

Phillips questioned whether Liverpool will feel they can challenge for titles if they lose the winger without a replacement.

“They can afford to sell Mane in the short-term, for sure,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.

“Just look at the backup they’ve already got.

“To replace a player like him long-term, it’s going to cost Liverpool around £100million.

“Unless Mane is absolutely 100% adamant he wants to leave – why would you want to let him go? I’m sure Klopp will be very reluctant.

“It’s the player who holds the power now. If he leaves, Liverpool will be asking the question – ‘do we have enough firepower to challenge?’”

A Liverpool source told Football Insider on Saturday (21 May) that the club’s hierarchy want to keep Mane – but they will not offer him a “huge” pay rise.

The Anfield club have already tied up a deal for highly-rated winger Fabio Carvalho.

In other news, pundit cites Paul Pogba in new Liverpool claim after player reveal.