If you’ve followed the transfer news over the past few weeks, you’ll know that Sadio Mane is the latest transfer target of Real Madrid. Although Liverpool have never officially said they’ll sign him, it seems likely that the Reds will look to find a replacement for the Senegal international. In the meantime, Liverpool are currently targeting Kylian Mbappe as his replacement. Mbappe has previously been linked with the Los Blancos.
Liverpool’s frontline flexibility
The Senegalese forward has been with Liverpool since 2014. He was a key member of the squad when they won the Africa Cup of Nations, scoring the game-winning penalty against Egypt. Mane’s departure from Liverpool leaves the club short of a frontline creative spark. However, the Reds have strengthened their wide areas to compensate for the loss of the Senegalese forward. They have brought in the likes of Luis Diaz, who has played in the left-wing berth similar to Mane. And while Mane’s move to Real Madrid may not be a permanent solution, the club will not invite any formal interest in the player.
Although Mane has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, he has not expressed any displeasure at the current situation. However, Liverpool have not ruled out a summer transfer of the Algerian. Real Madrid and Barcelona remain keen on Mane, and they will be keen to sign him if the right deal is struck. It may also prove to be a good opportunity for the Reds to sign a player who can help them win the Champions League.
The move to the Spanish capital has been reported to affect the Liverpool frontline flexibility. Sadio Mane has reportedly been unhappy with his wages at Liverpool, and is seeking a move to a higher club. Despite his desire to leave, Liverpool will be left with a significant hole in the frontline. And without the help of a striker, the frontline is not going to be as flexible as it could be.
Klopp’s injury to Virgil van Dijk
A number of Liverpool players are injured at the moment, with Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Fabinho missing the FA Cup final and the final against Aston Villa respectively. Both players are expected to be available for Saturday’s game against Real Madrid. Meanwhile, Divock Origi has been handed a farewell from the club and will not feature in the game.
Virgil van Dijk has been crucial for Liverpool this season, having played for the club’s under-19 and under-21 teams. He made his senior international debut in the 2015 FA Cup, and he was named captain of the team in March 2018. He captained the Dutch to the final of the UEFA Nations League, finishing as runner-up in the competition.
Virgil van Dijk suffered a knock against Wolves on Sunday, and he is expected to miss the final two league games. Mohamed Salah is likely to start the game in Paris, and he was in superb form in the FA Cup final. Fabinho, meanwhile, has been on the sidelines with a hamstring injury and is due to be fit for Saturday’s game.
Liverpool have been enjoying time in the Madrid half as a result of a man-of-the-moment arrival from Manchester City. During the first half, Liverpool were in Madrid territory, with Mane lurking on a deflected cross. However, despite the ominous mood of the game, the reds were unable to make a breakthrough, with Virgil van Dijk being the only goalkeeper.
Sadio Mane’s commitment to the club
Many believe that the move will not affect Sadio Mane’s commitment to the club. However, the striker has previously made it clear that he is not unhappy in the current situation. Besides, he has expressed his desire to play for LaLiga giants Real Madrid. It is a known fact that the Spanish club is in search of top talent, and this is reflected by Mane’s recent interest in Real Madrid.
The move could also affect Mane’s commitment to Liverpool. According to reports, the Senegal striker has been linked with Real Madrid and Barcelona. However, he is still under contract with the Reds until 2023, so the club is unlikely to get rid of him before then. The Senegal international is likely to leave the club in the summer of 2023. However, his contract with the club expires in June 2023, so a move to Real Madrid is unlikely to affect his commitment to the club.
Mohamed Salah has confirmed that he will stay at Liverpool next season, but his team-mate Sadio Mane has not yet committed his future to the club. The Algerian forward is the most expensive player in the Premier League, with a contract expiring next season. Mane is also 30 years old, so a move to the Spanish capital could be an excellent option for Liverpool.
It’s hard to ignore the fact that Liverpool has spent record sums to buy players to fix their problems. But the recent acquisition of Mohamed Salah has made Sadio Mane’s commitment to Liverpool doubtful. Mane’s contract expires in June, but Liverpool will be prepared to pay a price corresponding to the value of the player’s status in the world game.
Coutinho’s departure
The Brazilian’s move to Real Madrid is a shock for Liverpool fans, but the former Barcelona man is expected to prove a good fit at the Bernabeu. A move to Spain, where Coutinho was deemed unfit to play in the Champions League, would give the Reds a fresh challenge in the Champions League. Coutinho will need to find a new position at the Spanish club, which is a difficult task. Real Madrid already have Isco and Asensio, as well as summer signing Dani Ceballos.
Barcelona and Real Madrid are in talks to sign Philippe Coutinho, but Madrid would prefer to make the move in the summer. Barcelona, meanwhile, would have to sell players to fund the deal. But Madrid know Barcelona will have an edge if they delay the deal. Coutinho is reportedly still ‘obsessed’ with Barcelona. This latest move is a significant boost for the Reds, but Barcelona and Real Madrid are clearly both interested in the Brazilian.
Salah’s form is unquestionably the biggest concern for Liverpool. The Egyptian has surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale in goals and assists this season. With Salah’s impressive form, Liverpool will be trying to keep the Egyptian despite the rumoured move to the Spanish capital. The PS142m Coutinho moved to Real Madrid is a massive investment for the club, and it will take time for them to pay off the debt.
Despite the interest in Philippe Coutinho, Liverpool must be considering other options. The Spanish club have already signed Dani Ceballos, who won the UEFA U-21 Euro Player of the Tournament in 2017. The Spanish giants are in the midst of a relegation battle with Barcelona and a lack of top talent. But their latest acquisition could cause problems for Zine Zidane’s future.
Ousmane Dembele’s interest in Real Madrid
The French midfielder has been linked with a move away from Barcelona after refusing to sign a new contract. He has been attracting a number of suitors in recent months, and now Liverpool are one of those clubs. Klopp has long been interested in Dembele, but the transfer could put a spanner in the works for the Blues. The Belgian has a fantastic season at Barcelona, but has also been plagued with injuries.
The World Cup winner is still at Barcelona, but if Barcelona fail to sign Kylian Mbappe, Dembele is likely to leave. He is also thought to be a better value than former Reds defender Timo Werner, who has a PS50m release clause. Liverpool approached the Dembele camp about a season-long loan and a potential purchase option.
It is hard to tell how Dembele’s interest in Real Madrid has impacted Liverpool’s chances of signing a new striker. The Frenchman’s agent, Marcello Fazio, has been inundated with interest in the forward. However, Dembele is refusing to leave the club despite being linked with Liverpool and Juventus. Unlike Liverpool, the Frenchman sees his future at the Camp Nou, and would be keen to reclaim his place at Anfield.
In the meantime, Real Madrid are also interested in Belgium’s Riyad Mahrez. The Algerian forward is a renowned fan of Karim Benzema and is currently enjoying a successful season with Pep Guardiola’s side. Consequently, the French club would be forced to reassess their transfer plans. The French club would have to offer a huge wage bill to lure the Belgian forward.
