Liverpool’s five-man Mane replacement shortlist as Anfield hero set to depart

Liverpool are looking increasingly likely to lose their Senegalese forward in the summer amid a contract impasse and growing interest from Bayern Munich, but who could they turn to in order to replace him?

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Premier League transfer news and rumours: 30/5/22

Sadio Mane promised Liverpool fans a “special announcement” on his future following the Champions League final, but one week on that announcement hasn’t been forthcoming – and Reds fans aren’t likely to be too pleased with it when it does.

Because all signs are pointing to a parting of the ways between Mane and the club he joined for around £34m in 2016, initially to a background of suspicion and suggestions that he couldn’t cut it after moving from Southampton.

In six years at the club the forward has dispelled any and all of those concerns though, winning every trophy on offer to become a modern-day Liverpool great and a player challenging for a spot in an all-time club XI.

So how do you replace that?

Liverpool will have their own ideas of course, but here are five suggestions.

Serge Gnabry – Bayern Munich

Perhaps the most palatable solution for everyone would be for Liverpool to prise Gnabry from Bayern at the same time as Mane was going the other way?

The pair share the same agent group after all, and with Gnabry also having just one year left on his deal in Bavaria then some sort of compromise could come about during discussions between all parties.

The former Arsenal man is a different type of attacker to Mane of course, and although perhaps not as prolific as the Senegalese, he would offer goals and a variation to the Reds’ attack. Klopp will also not be afraid to try him out across the front line, just as he did with the man Gnabry could potentially replace.

At 27 and with previous Premier League experience under his belt, this could just a move that comes at the right time.

Jarrod Bowen – West Ham

Liverpool’s need to maintain their British-born contingent is always perhaps slightly under-reported, but it is something that club chiefs will be keeping an eye on.

With Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain likely to depart this summer, and James Milner heading towards the end of his contract, keeping up the homegrown quota of players could soon be something of a concern, although signing Bowen would be more than just a box ticking exercise.

The 25-year-old has just come off an impressive 18-goal season in all competitions, and put in the type of performances – including in scoring a brace against Manchester City – that have made many sit up and take notice, including Liverpool supporters.

That all means he wouldn’t come cheap, but price is probably the only issue standing against him.

Arnaut Danjuma – Villarreal

Liverpool are known for tracking their potential transfer targets over a lengthy period, with scouts often watching players for several years before they make their move.

Danjuma would fit into that category, with the Dutchman – who would have received glowing reports from international teammate Virgil van Dijk – monitored during his time at Bournemouth and also before that with Club Brugge.

The 25-year-old may not have turned many heads in the Premier League, but an impressive record of 16 goals in 34 appearances for Champions League semi-finalists Villarreal is nothing to be sniffed at, and he looks to have it all before him as he continues to improve.

Darwin Nunez – Benfica

Until now we’ve looked at players who have proven dangerous out wide, but that overlooks the role Mane was playing for Liverpool in the latter half of the season just passed.

Since moving into a central striking role the Senegalese was superb, and with Luis Diaz making the left side his own, Mohamed Salah on the right, Diogo Jota able to cover across the attack and Roberto Firmino doing his best work deeper, what about Liverpool moving for a ‘proper’ No.9?

Nunez is just that, with the Uruguayan showcasing his abilities with goals in both legs of the Champions League quarter-finals against Liverpool in April.

They were two of 34 strikes for his season, a hugely impressive number especially when you consider he’s only 22.

A move for Nunez would lead to Liverpool revamping their attack, but that may not be such a bad thing.

Martin Terrier – Rennes

The least heralded of the names here, French forward Terrier is a player that Liverpool have been watching, and he’s just had a hugely impressive season.

His 21 Ligue 1 goals helped Rennes to a fourth-placed finish in France, and his ability to play as a No.9 and deeper will be something that Jurgen Klopp is sure to admire.

Terrier is perhaps not the name to get fans drooling, but Liverpool have often pulled off transfer surprises in the past, and his could be a name worth keeping an eye on.