Liverpool in Pole Position to Sign Mateus Mane for £50m as Wolves Accept He Will Leave

Liverpool are leading the race to sign highly-rated Wolves wonderkid Mateus Mane in a potential £50m deal this summer, with initial talks described as 'positive'.[1][2][3][4][6]

The 18-year-old England youth international, eligible for Portugal, has emerged as a standout talent at Molineux under manager Rob Edwards. Despite Wolves' dire form and near-certain relegation to the Championship, Mane has become a regular starter, logging 896 minutes in their last 10 Premier League games, scoring two goals and providing one assist.[2] Across 19 senior appearances, he has two goals and two assists, showcasing versatility as a centre-forward, attacking midfielder, or winger.[1]

Reports from CaughtOffside indicate Wolves are resigned to losing him, with sources confirming: "Wolves accept that it’s going to be very hard for them to keep Mateus Mane."[4] Liverpool, the defending Premier League champions under Arne Slot, held productive discussions with Mane's representatives. They are 'leading the race' ahead of rivals Arsenal and Manchester United, though it's early and situations could shift.[1][2][3][4]

Mane's contract runs until 2029, but Wolves demand around £50m (€60m). Liverpool are prepared to bid but may negotiate lower, wary of the gamble on an unproven teen despite his promise—praised by Paul Merson as a potential 'superstar'.[3][4] Recent high-profile signings like Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, and Florian Wirtz signal ongoing squad bolstering plans for 2026.[1]

Upcoming fixtures against Liverpool offer Mane an audition, as scouts watch his stats: strong in goals (0.18 xG percentile 83rd) but areas like crossing need work.[3] A move to Anfield would be a big step up, but his rapid rise has elite clubs circling.[2]

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