Liverpool backed to complete two marquee signings after bid submitted – pundit
Noel Whelan has suggested Liverpool won’t sign a direct replacement for Sadio Mane if he completes a move to Bayern Munich.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed Jurgen Klopp’s men could instead turn attentions to other areas in the squad – like central midfield or a new centre-forward.
Mane is out of contract at the end of the 2022-23 season and has been vocal in his desire to depart Liverpool this summer.
Bayern Munich have been widely linked with a move for the winger – and according to The Times‘ Paul Joyce (5 June), the Merseysiders have rejected an opening offer of £25million from the German side.
Whelan suggested Liverpool have already “softened the blow” of Mane’s potential exit by signing Luis Diaz and Fabio Carvalho.
“It doesn’t surprise me to see Mane going,” he told Football Insider‘s Russell Edge.
“They’ve gone into the window early to get Diaz and Carvalho. That might well soften the blow.
“That doesn’t mean they won’t go out and get someone else, but Liverpool may just make those two feel like they are the Mane replacement.
“They’ll be saying: ‘That’s your spot now, keep it.’
“I think they’ll have other things, other key areas in mind as well. They’re still ahead of the game in terms of wide players, so I think they could look to central midfield or maybe even an out-and-out striker.”
A recruitment source told Football Insider last month (12 May) that Liverpool, Chelsea and Man City have all registered their interest in 22-year-old midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni.
This site has also revealed (21 April) that the Merseysiders and Man United have seen enquiries rebuffed for Dortmund and England midfield star Jude Bellingham.
In other news, pundit tips Liverpool to finalise Joe Gomez deal after talks update.