Sadio Mane will be by far the easiest for Liverpool to sell this summer – RTK View

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Sadio Mane could well be the forward to leave Liverpool this summer. It certainly appears to be the end of the Reds’ famed front three.

The Transfer Window podcast claims Liverpool are actively driving interest in Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino. Now, we’re not sure how true that really is but there’s certainly some logic to it.

For one, both players’ contracts expire in 2023 and there’s little talk around new deals. That’s in contrast to Mohamed Salah, for instance, whose contract talks are front and centre. Mane and Firmino appear to be second and third in line – at best.

Thus if Liverpool want to receive any money for them, selling this summer does make sense. It’s heartbreaking, of course, but it’s the smart business decision.

It shouldn’t surprise anyone, then, if this is the final season with that famous – and wildly successful – front three.

But we would be surprised if Liverpool sold both Mane and Firmino. Far more likely is that one move on and the other gets a new deal. In that scenario, it feels most likely that Mane leaves Liverpool.

Sadio Mane could leave Liverpool

It’s not a reflection on Mane at all but Liverpool have far more cover for his role than Firmino’s. In fact, the squad lacks anyone to replace the Brazilian at all – he’s an incredibly unique player.

But in Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz, Liverpool have clear alternatives to Mane. While not identical, both offer the same general role as the Senegal star – quick, direct wingers who want to cut inside and score goals. Losing Mane affects the squad far less than any other forward.

On top of that, Mane is younger and carries a higher reputation than Firmino. He’d almost certainly command a higher fee from any buying club and we imagine there’s more interest in him. Part of that is Firmino being wildly underrated in world football but it’s the reality.

Just this season, Rio Ferdinand labelled Mane ‘phenomenal’ despite his poor form. You don’t get similar descriptions about Firmino from outside Anfield.

And so again, moving Mane on might make the most sense. We don’t particularly want to see either depart but if it has to happen, we’d have our money on Mane.