Liverpool have reportedly identified RB Leipzig attacker Christopher Nkunku as the ideal replacement for Sadio Mane.
A recent report from Fichajes has shed some light on Liverpool’s plan with Sadio Mane. The star winger clearly has not performed to his potential over the past 18 months, with the club now scouring the market to find a proper long-term replacement. While Jurgen Klopp has already identified quite a few options, the one that stands out the most is Christopher Nknunku.
A product of the PSG youth academy, Nkunku has been one of the best players in Europe this season. In 27 competitive appearances, he has been involved in 29 goals, including seven goals scored in the UEFA Champions League.
Although Nkunku’s efforts were not enough to help Leipzig secure a place in the Round of 16, the Frenchman has certainly caught the eye with his chance creation and finishing in front of goal. It has led to widespread speculation over his future at Leipzig, with the playmaker reportedly being courted by Real Madrid, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain.
It appears Liverpool have emerged as the latest club to join that list, as they look to find a long-term replacement for Mane. The Senegalese international has scored ten goals this season, but it is apparent that the winger is steadily falling from grace after hitting the heights in the 2018/19 and 2019/20 campaigns.
Mane’s contract expires in 2023 as well, and one might argue that his departure might be inevitable if Liverpool are to meet Mohamed Salah’s contract demands. The former Red Bull Salzburg attacker was notably linked with a move for Real Madrid earlier in the season, but with Kylian Mbappe already in their crosshair, Los Blancos are unlikely to make a move.
Nevertheless, the addition of someone like Nkunku could prove to be an excellent bit of business from Liverpool. The Frenchman has been performing consistently in the Bundesliga for almost three years now, racking up 20 goals and 31 assists in just 79 top-flight outings.
However, the Leipzig star certainly is not the only option for Liverpool, who are likely to re-enter the market for Arnaut Danjuma in the summer after Villarreal denied any business in January.
Another option is Real Madrid starlet Rodrygo Goes, with the Brazilian reportedly open to a switch to Merseyside. However, the move could hinge on the valuation of Los Blancos, who are likely to demand a large sum from Liverpool in their bid to land several top players next season.
(Featured image courtesy of Steffen Prößdorf/Wikimedia)
