Liverpool have already landed two Sadio Mane replacements as ‘big’ deal on the cards – Whelan
Luis Diaz and Fabio Carvalho are ready-made replacements for Sadio Mane if he leaves Liverpool this summer, according to Noel Whelan.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Leeds United and England Under-21 striker also claimed Liverpool will sign a “big name” if Mane gets his move away from Anfield.
The Athletic reported earlier this week that the Reds have set a price tag of £42.5million for the 30-year-old who is now down to the final year of his contract.
It is claimed he wants a new challenge and Bayern Munich are the frontrunners for his signature.
“They have kind of replaced him,” Whelan told Football Insider correspondent Ewan Kingsbury.
“One of them had to leave, whether it was Mane or Salah. They were both coming into their thirties, both were in the last year of their contract.
“They brought in Diaz, they’ve brought in Carvalho. There are two players there straight away who Jurgen Klopp has brought in who can step into that role, there’s no doubt about that.
“There are going to be more signings, there’s bits and pieces flying out all over the place.
“There’s no doubt if a big name goes out, then a big name comes in. That’s how Liverpool work and that’s how big clubs generally do work.
“It’s no different to Fernandinho leaving Man City, I expect a defensive midfielder to go in there.”
Diaz moved to Liverpool from FC Porto in January and slotted straight into the front three alongside Mane and Salah.
The club confirmed the arrival of Carvalho from Fulham last month (23 May) and he will officially become a Liverpool player at the beginning of July.
In other news, Liverpool are in advanced talks to sign a new player after permission is granted.