As Liverpool’s Uefa Champions League dreams came crashing down Saturday evening, fans’ hangovers were made just that bit worse when they woke up to the news that Sadio Mane had decided to leave the club this summer.
Speculation had been rife for weeks that FC Bayern Munich were lining up the Liverpool superstar to be their new leading man after contract negotiations with Robert Lewandowski came crashing down.
Even though there has been no concrete offer made for mane, his departure from Anfield seems almost inevitable and the search and gossip for who should replace him has begun.
According to Portuguese outlet Correio da Manha via Sport Witness impressive Benfica forward Darwin Nunez is being eyed up by Jurgen Klopp and FSG as the ideal replacement for Sadio Mane.
According to @cmjornal Liverpool are 'In a real battle' with Manchester United to sign Darwin Nunez who has a €150m release clause. #LFChttps://t.co/SkI4xgJ3tn
— Matt Thielen (@MattThielen) May 31, 2022
The 22-year-old Uruguayan has been the talk of Europe this season, netting a magnificent 34 goals in 41 matches and also providing four assists.
Supporters of Liverpool had the chance to see Nunez in the flesh this campaign when Benfica challenged Jurgen Klopp’s men in the Quarter Finals of the Uefa Champions League; Nunez scored for Benfica in both legs of the fixture.
Liverpool will face stiff competition, however, for the silky striker’s signature with Premier League rivals Manchester United also vying to bring the talented youngster to England.
Nunez certainly fits the Liverpool transfer model, in terms of age and ability, although Benfica’s mind-boggling release clause of €150 million will test Liverpool owner FSG’s purse strings.
Whether an offer will be made will come down to Mane’s departure, nevertheless, Nunez looks the real deal and would undoubtedly improve Liverpool’s squad heading into the 2022/2023 season.