An evolution is required within Jürgen Klopp’s project at Liverpool as club stalwart Sadio Mane is set to depart this summer. The Senegal international leaves something of a void in Liverpool’s attack in spite of their array of quality, and after 6 scintillating years, Mane will have to be replaced if he is to complete his £30 million move to Bayern Munich.
Here are 3 players Klopp could look to in order to replace Sadio Mané.
Darwin Nuñez
Uruguayan forward Darwin Nuñez has established himself as one of Europe’s hottest attacking properties this season. The powerful 22-year-old grabbed himself 34 goals from 38 matches played across the Primeria Liga and the Champions League this season, catching the eye of the world’s best clubs.
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Nuñez has been with Benfica for two seasons now and is believed to have caught the interest of Manchester United alongside Liverpool. Virgil Van Dijk recently described him as one of the toughest opponents he’s faced, and with his capacity to play both on the flank and through the middle, he could be the perfect Mané replacement.
Gabriel Martinelli
Jürgen Klopp has been a big fan of Gabriel Martinelli for a few years now. After the Brazilian’s move to Arsenal from Ituano in 2019, Klopp was raving about the youngster, labelling him a “talent of the century.”
A big offer would be required from Liverpool to pry Martinelli away from Arsenal. The 20-year-old has just been handed the no. 11 shirt by the Emirates Stadium side and is contracted to the club until June 2024. However, his relentless pressing and ability to create something out of nothing makes him very well suited to the profile of forward Klopp looks for.
Harry Kane
A man whose name never fails to escape the transfer rumour mill is that of Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane. The England national team captain appears satisfied at Spurs at the moment following their appointment of Antonio Conte and Champions League qualification, but he’d likely find it difficult to turn down a move to Liverpool.
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Again, this one would be expensive. However, to adequately replace a player of Sadio Mane’s calibre, Liverpool will have to spend a lot of money. He is a very different type of attacker to the offensive players Jürgen Klopp currently has at his disposal, but he would doubtless elevate the Reds after their shortcomings in the Premier League and Champions League this season.
Topics: Sadio Mane, Liverpool, Transfers
Robert Worthington