Bayern Munich have confirmed the exit of ex-Oldham Athletic flop Desire Segbe Azankpo, bringing an official end to Sadio Mane’s impact on the German giants.
Last summer, the former Liverpool ace Mane joined Bayern, and was reportedly integral in getting a deal for his childhood friend with Bayern II.
Segbe Azankpo was a success in the second-string side, scoring 36 seconds into his debut, and finishing the campaign with 12 goals from 28 games.
But with Mane’s exit from Bayern confirmed on August 1, it left a cloud of uncertainty over Segbe Azankpo’s future at the club, and Bild report that both parties have agreed to terminate the contract.
However, the former Oldham striker, 30, is joining a new club straight away. The former Benin youth international has signed a one-year deal with Belgian second division side RFC Seraing, after they finished bottom of the top flight last season.
Bayern Munich have agreed to cancel Desire Segbe Azankpo’s contract after one year
Segbe Azankpo’s pal Sadio Mane, reportedly key in getting the deal, left Bayern this summer
Halil Altintop, the sporting director of the Bayern Campus, said: ‘Desire approached us with the request to terminate his contract for personal reasons. After a few discussions, we fulfilled his wish at short notice.
‘We got to know Desire as an exemplary professional who helped our young team on and off the pitch. We wish him all the best for his future in Belgium, both on a sporting and personal level.’
Segbe Azankpo and Mane, 31, came through the Generation Foot Academy together in Senegal, and have maintained a close relationship since.
Mane previously helped to get his childhood friend to get onto the B team at Metz as the Senegalese player was building his career with the French side.
Segbe Azankpo joined League Two Oldham for the 2019-2020 season, but scored just four goals in 28 appearances, to the frustration of the club’s diehard supporters.
After a turbulent season with the German giants, marred by a physical spat with teammate Leroy Sane, Mane left Bayern for Al-Nassr in a £34m move in August.
Segbe scored four goals in 28 appearances for League Two Oldham during the 2019-20 season
