Liverpool: Klopp already has 'direct replacement' for Sadio Mane at Anfield | OneFootball

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·19 June 2022

Liverpool: Klopp already has 'direct replacement' for Sadio Mane at Anfield

Article image:Liverpool: Klopp already has 'direct replacement' for Sadio Mane at Anfield

Liverpool signing Darwin Nunez could fill the void left by the Bayern Munich-bound Sadio Mane at Anfield, according to journalist Jacque Talbot.

Mane has enjoyed huge amounts of success on Merseyside – with him winning six trophies since making the £34million switch from Southampton six years ago – but he is on the cusp of moving onto pastures new.


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What’s the latest news involving Mane and Nunez?

Liverpool are set to sell Mane to German giants Bayern Munich after agreeing a deal worth £35.1million.

While the Bundesliga outfit had initially failed with two big-money bids for the Senegalese attacker, the Reds have decided to cash-in on the 30-year-old as he is due to enter the final year of his £200,000-per-week contract at the end of the month.

It comes just a matter of days after Liverpool forked out a club-record fee of £85million to sign Nunez from Benfica.

Boss Jurgen Klopp reacted to the swoop by claiming it was ‘exciting news’ and hailing the Uruguayan as a ‘wonderful’ addition.

It has been suggested that Nunez’s arrival was planned to coincide with the exit of Mane, who has found the back of the net 192 times over the course of his club career.

Darwin Nunez to Liverpool! Done Deal! Hear more on The Football Terrace

What has Jacque Talbot said about the duo?

Talbot believes Nunez was identified as an ideal star to replace Mane in Klopp’s front three despite having different qualities.

The journalist feels the 67-goal frontman will ensure the big-name exit will not prove costly in the attacking third of the pitch for Liverpool.

When asked whether Nunez could fill the void left by Mane, Talbot told GIVEMESPORT: “I suspect so because Klopp rotates a little bit and we’ve seen Mane play as an out-and-out striker last season, so you could argue that it’s a direct replacement.

“I imagine he will tweak a few things because they’re not precisely the same player but, effectively, yes, I’d imagine so.”

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Article image:Liverpool: Klopp already has 'direct replacement' for Sadio Mane at Anfield

Where was Sadio Mane born?

Senegal Cameroon Ghana Sierra Leone

How did Mane and Nunez compare last season?

While Mane found the back of the net on 23 occasions during the 2021/22 campaign, Nunez was even more prolific.

The 22-year-old was on target 34 times and got his name on the scoresheet in both legs of Benfica’s Champions League quarter-final clash with his new employers, underlining his threat in front of goal.

According to FBref, Nunez averaged more goals and shots on target every 90 minutes than the outgoing Mane last term, so it could even be argued that Liverpool have potentially secured an upgrade.

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