3 potential replacements for Sadio Mane at Liverpool

Sadio Mane could well have played his last game for Liverpool in the club’s 1-0 loss to Real Madrid in the Champions League final. Soon after, reliable sources confirmed the Senegalese winger has decided to leave the club (as per Fabrizio Romano).

Mane has won everything possible with Liverpool since arriving in 2016, including the Premier League and Champions League titles. He wants a new challenge in his career, eager to join a club that could maximize his potential of winning a Ballon d’Or.

Liverpool are unlikely to stop Mane from leaving if he pushes for it. As long as they can get a decent fee, they’d be willing to let him go. But losing a key player like Mane will create a hole in the squad that would need filling with a similarly quality player.

Here’s a look at 3 potential replacement options for Mane at Liverpool.

Christopher Nkunku as Reds’ next big signing

If Liverpool wants to sign a player with a very high ceiling and the ability to deliver huge contributions every season, Christopher Nkunku could be the man. In Mane, the Reds would lose a versatile forward who has delivered across the frontline.

Nkunku has proven he can do the same. The Frenchman had a brilliant season with RB Leipzig, boasting 50 goal contributions (35 goals, 15 assists) across all competitions! He also played in a variety of positions – left-wing, centre-forward, and as a No.10.

The menacing winger can torment defenders with movement and ball skills, and is very prolific in the final third. WhoScored identifies his strengths as: Passing, through-balls, dribbling, finishing, long-range shooting, set-piece ability, crossing ability and free-kick ability. Nkunku is the real deal who will only get better as he nears his peak.

While Liverpool might have to shell out over €75m for him (via 90min), they are likely to get €35m-€40m from Mane’s sale – so could divert that to sign the talented Frenchman and build a terrorizing attack for next season and beyond.

Darwin Nunez: Ideal centre-forward option for Liverpool

A major reason behind Liverpool’s frustrations in the Champions League final is that they started the game without a natural No.9. Mane did well in the centre-forward position during the season, but he isn’t really a ruthless, poacher of a striker.

Liverpool might now look to replace Mane with a more prolific, natural centre-forward as they have Luis Diaz at left-wing. They could make a move for Nunez. As per AS, the Reds are a strong candidate to move for the prolific Uruguayan forward.

Nunez could be an ideal fit for Jurgen Klopp’s side. The 22-year-old is versatile enough to play anywhere across the frontline but is most comfortable as a roaming centre-forward. Nunez possesses the physicality, technical ability, and clinical nature to thrive in the Premier League.

He scored 34 goals in 41 appearances for Benfica this past season, including 2 goals against Liverpool in the Champions League. While Benfica is expected to demand as much as €100m to let him go, Liverpool would get their money’s worth with an efficient, fast forward who’d secure the No. 9 position for many years to come.

Rafael Leao: Liverpool’s next fiery winger

Rafael Leao was AC Milan’s hero in their triumphant campaign and arguably their best player in the Serie A title-winning season. The 22-year-old unleashed his potential as a constant torment on the left-wing.

If Liverpool are seeking a more like-for-like replacement for Mane, a player who can take on defenders, dazzle the crowd with his movement and finish chances sweetly, Leao is an ideal option. The 22-year-old Portuguese winger scored 11 goals and registered 10 assists in 34 Serie A appearances for Milan.

According to Calciomercato, the Reds are eyeing a potential summer move for the 22-year-old. They’d have to shell out big money for the talented winger, but the pacy, prolific Leao could prove to be a valuable replacement for Mane.