The end of an era could be coming at Anfield with star attacker Sadio Mane reportedly wanting a fresh challenge away from Anfield. Bayern Munich are reported to be interested in acquiring the Senegalese forward but the Reds are said to want around €35 million in return.
Mane has been a key figure for Liverpool under Klopp, helping the club win a Champions League, a Premier League title, Carabao Cup and FA Cup. If he is set to depart from Merseyside he will be a huge loss but with Liverpool’s track record, they will likely have shortlisted suitable candidates to replace him.
We take a look at the possible players Klopp could sign to bolster his attacking options for next season.
Robert Lewandowski
Like Mane, Lewandowski has made public his desire for a new challenge, wanting to leave Bayern Munich after eight years with the German giants. He reportedly has his heart set on a move to Barcelona, but given the financial uncertainty that still looms over Camp Nou, he may not get his wish. If he is still seeking a fresh start, English football would be a new and exciting opportunity for the prolific goalscorer (he scored 50 goals in all competitions in 2021-22) and he would join one of the best teams in Europe. The fact that Bayern want Mane and their star striker wants to leave, could a swap deal be put on the table?
Darwin Nunez
This young superstar has put himself on the map in Europe this season with Benfica, scoring 34 in 41 matches last season, establishing himself as one of the hottest prospects in the game. His performances have seen him linked with most of European football’s elite and after facing him in the Champions League, Reds boss Klopp was full of praise for the Uruguayan. With his age and ability, he certainly fits the mould for the type of attacking player the German would be interested in signing.
Christopher Nkunku
Another player who has had an exceptional season. The French attacker had an amazing campaign for RB Leipzig in terms of goal contributions, scoring 35 and assisting 20. His efforts earned him the Bundesliga Player of the Season award, having picked up the league’s monthly award four times across the year. He has been linked with Manchester United and Chelsea but if Liverpool came calling it wouldn’t be surprising if they moved to the front of the queue for his signature.
Ousmane Dembele
Barcelona’s French winger Dembele could be set for a summer exit, with the player struggling to come to an agreement regarding a new contract with the Spanish giants. Although he doesn’t have the best injury record, he is a quality player which we have seen in recent months as he reignited his rocky Barca career. Liverpool’s Premier League rivals Chelsea are thought to hold an interest in the winger, but if Mane departs, the Reds could turn their attention to Dembele who looks set to become a free agent at the end of June.
Nobody
We’re not joking. Liverpool may not even bother to replace Mane, at least straight away anyway. The Reds’ attacking ranks contain some frightening talent with the likes of Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz and Roberto Firmino. When you add summer signing Fabio Carvalho into the mix, they look to be set heading into 2022-23 and you wouldn’t put it past Klopp to trust this current group enough for the upcoming campaign.
