Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp could look to sign a new striker this summer, claims journalist Pete O’Rourke.
The FA Cup and Carabao Cup winners face losing Sadio Mane, and O’Rourke thinks they could look to replace him with a more natural No.9 if he does end up leaving the club.
What is the latest news involving Mane?
Mane’s successful spell at Anfield may be coming to an end, with reports claiming that the forward is keen to try something different.
As of now, Bayern Munich seem to be the team most interested in giving Mane his wish. As per The Athletic, the Bundesliga champions are after his signature as they prepare for a possible Robert Lewandowski exit.
According to the same outlet, Liverpool value the Senegal international, who has entered the final 12 months of his contract, at around £42.5m.
Whether Bayern are willing to pay that given his contract situation remains to be seen.
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What has O’Rourke said about Mane and Liverpool?
If Mane does leave Anfield in the upcoming transfer window, O’Rourke thinks Klopp could target a new No.9.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT about Mane’s possible exit, O’Rourke said: “Liverpool, if they want to continue challenging for trophies and competing with Manchester City, they’re going to need strength in depth, and I think a No.9 could be something that Klopp is looking to bring in to add more firepower to his team.”
Should Liverpool sign a new striker this summer?
While Mane’s preferred position is on the left, he played up front 18 times in the 2021/22 season, according to Transfermarkt.
Considering that, perhaps it would make sense for the Reds to sign a centre-forward to replace the 30-year-old rather than a winger.
They bought Luis Diaz back in January, so the Colombian could become a permanent fixture on the left flank in a post-Mane era at Anfield, while Mohamed Salah obviously keeps his spot on the right.
It would leave them a bit light out wide, though, with Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota preferring central roles. It may be a case, then, of Klopp signing a new No.9 and winger this summer, especially with Salah’s future also up in the air.
It is certainly going to be interesting to see how Liverpool replace Mane if he does depart; a player of his calibre will not be easy to find in the market. But Klopp has not had too many misses when it comes to recruitment since arriving at the Merseyside club, so supporters probably should not be too worried.
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