The news emerged from Liverpool’s official Twitter account, confirming what has seemed a certainty for a number of days; Sadio Mané is a Liverpool player.
Next season Mané will wear the number 19 on his back.
Liverpool’s big money signing for the summer transfer window is a Southampton player. No real surprise there. While the club’s last few buys from the Saints have all come good they haven’t exactly justified why Liverpool regularly go shopping in Southampton.
I am sure that in discussions for Mané’s transfer to Liverpool there was also talk of possible loyalty points if Liverpool purchase any players from Southampton again. All jokes aside, Mané is a brilliant signing. He may have cost the club a fortune and may not be your typical marquee signing but he will be massive for the club next season.
Ever since Raheem Sterling left Liverpool for a sum of £50 million there has been an absence of real pace and power in the Liverpool side. Sure, Daniel Sturridge has a little zip to his game but he hasn’t really played since Sterling joined City.
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Mané will provide this pace in abundance and will also be a return to the orthodox winger. All of Liverpool’s creative midfielders, bar Jordon Ibe, are preferable to cutting inside and pulling the strings from a central position. On the other hand, Mané will provide Liverpool with pace down the line and is a player who can get in behind or run at defenders at high speed.
While many fans may have preferred a more high profile signing we all know it’s not Klopp’s way to sign established players. He likes a challenge and will look to shape Mané into the player he wants. The Senegal international has the tools to be a fantastic player under the German manager. I am reminded of Jakub Błaszczykowski during Klopp’s Dortmund days.
While Mané may have cost a fair bit more than the the Polish international, they share many of the same traits. Both are blisteringly fast and relentless in their work ethic.
Mané will be brilliant next season for Liverpool. With a pre-season under Klopp and loads of rest, why not?