Liverpool foresees Darwin Núñez as Mane replacement

Liverpool have reportedly identified Benfica ace star Darwin Núñez as possible replacement for Senegal international Sadio Mane. The Reds are looking to reinforce in attack with Mane and Salah set to leave the club.

Around one month ago, Liverpool looked set for the quadruple, a feat not yet seen in the English game before. Fast-forward to the current day, and the 2021/2022 season has concluded in a rather anticlimactic fashion for the Reds, with them failing to win either the Premier League nor Champions League from their final two games.

In an attempt to rectify these short-comings for next season, the board have seemingly identified the attack as the area to improve on. Reportedly, Núñez is being lined up as the potential replacement for a departing Sadio Mané. The 22 year-old Benfica striker has had a head-turning season, where he has bagged 34 times from 41 appearances.

The 6 foot 2 man has not only scored these goals in Liga Portugal, but also on the biggest stage, in the Champions League, where he netted 6 times from 10 games. His classic number 9 play is something which has attracted Jurgen Klopp, with the manager clearly needing reinforcement in attack, due to the departures key forwards.

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Julian Ward, the newly appointed Assistant Sporting Director at Liverpool is reportedly the man pushing for Núñez’s signature, with him being very keen on the player. Klopp shares this interest, the German is said to be impressed with the star’s performances against his side from the Champions League Quarter-Final.

Benfica value Núñez very highly, with the fee therefore likely to be high also. This may be a problem for Liverpool, with the club not usually a culprit of extortionate spending. However, with Mané and Salah looking to be on his way out of the club, perhaps this will be a signing Liverpool simply must get done. Whatever the price.