Four cut-price solutions to Sadio Mane’s absence in January
Liverpool’s sensational summer signing Sadio Mane could barely be in better form this season. Part of Klopp’s fluid attacking system, he’s scored seven goals and assisted four more for the Reds – playing a pivotal role in their Premier League title bid.
That’s why then, his absence in January as he joins Senegal at the African Cup of Nations is sure to be felt hard by the Anfield faithful.
The Reds need a replacement but it seems silly to spend big money to do it. If Klopp can pick up an effective player on the cheap, by Liverpool standards, then it’s a win-win situation for all concerned.
A player gets a move to one of England’s biggest clubs, Klopp’s side don’t skip a beat, Mane has competition when he returns but still the status of Liverpool’s star man and the Reds’ budget isn’t severely dented.
With that in mind, here are four cut-price solutions to Mane’s potentially detrimental mid-season absence.
Jesus Navas
With just over 6 months left on his contract at Man City, Jesus Navas could be available for quite cheap if Liverpool are able to agree terms with the winger on a personal basis.
His wages will be likely be steep but the lack of a massive transfer fee could prove tempting for a player able to cut apart most Premier League defences on his day with scintillating pace.
He doesn’t score as many as Mane but knows how to get past his man and deliver assists. With plenty of speed and skill, he could be an excellent short term solution for Klopp.
Moussa Marega
Moussa Marega is taking the Portuguese leagues by storm, scoring ten goals in ten games for Vitoria Guimaraes. The in-form Malian star has the ability to play through the middle and on the wing, something that would beneficial to Klopp’s fluid attacking system.
Any move would be complicated to work out given that he’s on loan from Porto, but if a deal can be bashed out, he’d represent excellent value.
Anwar El Ghazi
Ajax winger Anwar El Ghazi is ready to make the next step in his career. Scoring over 20 goals for the Dutch side in just over 80 appearances, he’s shown excellent progress since making his debut at the age of 19.
Still just 21, Liverpool and Klopp would be a good move to continue his development.
The winger has had to prove himself again under new management in Amsterdam and found himself playing for Ajax’s second string through November.
A move in January could suit all parties and while a decent chunk of cash would likely have to spent on him, he certainly wouldn’t command the type of fee that brought Mane to Anfield in the summer.
Ashley Young
Bear with me here, Liverpool fans…
It’s not often Manchester United players are touted as potential Liverpool signings but a deal for Ashley Young could suit all parties.
Young is still an effective winger and if any manager can get the best out of him in the Premier League, we reckon it could be Klopp.
He’s struggling to get a regular game at United and a move for Young would give him an escape route and the chance to prove himself elsewhere. Given Mane isn’t away for long, he could offer cover and competition through to the summer at least.