Sadio Mane to Liverpool: Latest Transfer Details, Reaction and More

Southampton forward Sadio Mane has completed his transfer to Liverpool, leaving the St. Mary's Stadium club after two seasons.

According to BBC Sport, the Reds will pay £34 million for their new recruit, who has signed a five-year deal at Anfield; BBC Solent Sport stated the fee could rise to £36 million, topping the club-record £35 million the Merseyside club paid for Andy Carroll.

Liverpool confirmed the Senegalese forward's capture on Twitter and announced he'll wear the No. 19 jersey:

The 24-year-old admitted he had other options but was enticed by the prospect of Liverpool and manager Jurgen Klopp, per the club's official website:

"

I knew Liverpool were interested in me, I had some [other] opportunities, but I think for me this is the right club, the right coach and the right moment to change. I am very happy to be a part of Liverpool Football Club.

He [Klopp] said he wanted me to come to play for Liverpool. I didn’t even have to ask myself, I said straight away "yes, I am interested" because I know Liverpool. I am convinced Liverpool are the right club for me with the right coach.

"

Mane rose to prominence over a two-year period under the guidance of former manager Ronald Koeman, and he helped Southampton finish sixth in the Premier League last term.

Manchester United chased the player last summer, but the Saints refused to do business, with a club official saying, per Sky Sports: "He is a key part of our team and our planning for the future. He wouldn't be sold."

However, Koeman has since left the club for Everton, and Mane follows a long list of star players who have exited Southampton in recent years; he'll follow Adam Lallana, Nathaniel Clyne and Dejan Lovren in making the switch from the south coast to Anfield.

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher thinks the Senegal international will be an exciting addition:

Mane holds the record for the quickest hat-trick in Premier League history, netting three goals in two minutes, 56 seconds against Aston Villa in May 2015. 

The winger signed for Southampton in 2014 after completing a £10 million switch from Austrian club Red Bull Salzburg, per BBC Sport, and he immediately caught the eye with his vibrant playing style.

Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Mane is an exciting talent, and at 24, he is still not the finished article, but he brings a rapid change of pace that his new team craves. Mane scored 45 goals in 87 games for Salzburg, per BBC Sport, and he brings a genuine goal threat to his new club's attack. 

There are some concerns when it comes to the player's consistency, though. Bleacher Report's Karl Matchett provided these statistics that don't reflect particularly well on Mane's creativity:

In terms of goals, the midfielder reached double figures last term, scoring 11 goals in 37 Premier League appearances for Koeman, per WhoScored.com.

With the correct development, Mane can become one of the biggest stars of English football, and in time, his purchase will be viewed as a shrewd one provided Klopp can mould his attributes appropriately.