Liverpool have reportedly been dealt the blow of Sadio Mane looking for a transfer away from the club this summer, and one imagines this will surely push the Reds into the market for a big-name replacement in attack.
Just the day after the disappointment of the Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid, it has emerged that the Senegal international wants out of Anfield for a new challenge, according to Fabrizio Romano, who adds that Bayern Munich are interested in swooping for his signature.
See below for details from Romano, with Liverpool fans bound to be gutted that such a top performer from the Jurgen Klopp era now wants to move on…
Liverpool should surely be able to make decent money from Mane’s sale, so could that give them the opportunity to land a new world class forward this summer?
Here’s our suggestion for five ideal potential targets for LFC to go for following this news…
1) Christopher Nkunku
One of the most outstanding attacking players in Europe this season, Christopher Nkunku has lit up the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig and looks almost like the archetypal Jurgen Klopp player. One imagines there’ll be plenty of interest in the 24-year-old Frenchman, but he could be someone for Liverpool to build around for many years to come.
With 35 goals and 14 assists in all competitions in 2021/22, Nkunku has surely shown he’s ready for a big move, and Leipzig tend to cash in on their stars fairly often, which perhaps gives Liverpool hope of striking a deal.
2) Serge Gnabry
Heading towards the final year of his contract at Bayern Munich, there’s surely a deal to be done for exciting German attacker Serge Gnabry this summer. Capable of playing out wide or centrally, the 26-year-old is a similar style of player to Mane, and could still have his best years ahead of him.
Gnabry may have flopped at Arsenal as a youngster, but he could now come back and settle a few scores in the Premier League, showing everyone how much he’s improved by becoming a key player under fellow countryman Klopp.
3) Bukayo Saka
A world class young talent, Bukayo Saka will surely be hurting after missing out on a top four spot with Arsenal this season, so could Liverpool take advantage? The England international is another versatile forward or winger who could easily slot in to Klopp’s attack and give them the kind of speed, creativity and goal threat that Mane has down the years.
And it’s always a useful bonus to have someone who’s proven in the Premier League, as it should make settling in that bit easier, while it also means weakening a rival.
4) Jarrod Bowen
Another Premier League-based talent who could be worth a shot for LFC is West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen. The 25-year-old has just won his first call-up to the England squad after a hugely impressive return of 18 goals and 11 assists in all competitions in 2021/22.
Liverpool tend to sign players of this age bracket, with Mane himself arriving from Southampton at a similar stage of his career, so it would be fitting if it was such a typical Liverpool-esque signing to fill that gap.
5) Ousmane Dembele
Available on a free this summer, Ousmane Dembele could be well worth a go for Liverpool, even if he’s not exactly been Mr Consistent in his time at Barcelona. The France international previously looked a huge prospect during his time at Borussia Dortmund, and he’s ended the season well for Barca.
If none of the other options work out, this could be a smart move by Liverpool, and the kind of low-cost deal that they tend to do so well. Still, his free agent status also surely means there’ll be plenty of competition for Dembele’s signature.