Liverpool’s reported interest in Rennes winger Jeremy Doku could mean the end of Sadio Mane’s career at Anfield.
According to Calciomercato yesterday, Liverpool are set to revive their interest in the 19-year-old Doku.
After initially trying to sign him as a 16-year-old, it seems that The Reds could be ready to make another push for the Belgian.
That could be bad news for Mane. With a contract due to expire in a years time and replacements reportedly being lined up, he could be gearing up for an exit in the summer window.
Doku shows what he’s all about
Doku is still a teenager and there would have to be patience if he were to be signed. But his performances at last summer’s European Championships show that he would be able to step straight into the first-team at Liverpool.
The way he drove at defences with pace was reminiscent of the Mane of old. Although he is short at 5ft 7in, he is strong and doesn’t look to be knocked off the ball easily.
He has played largely on the right-hand side in his limited appearances for Rennes this season. But it was in Mane’s favoured left-hand side that Doku looked the most threatening during the Euros.
The fact that he has experience on either wing would also be a bonus for Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp likes his attackers to have the ability to play a fluid role across all three forward positions.
A new start for Sadio
Many Liverpool fans would be devastated to see Mane go. But it feels as though this summer could be the right time for club and player to part ways.
It looked as though Luis Diaz’s January arrival might have been the first nail in the coffin for Mane’s Liverpool future. But the pair have actually played together on several occasions, with Mane taking up a central role.
Klopp reportedly has plans to play Diaz through the middle in the future too. So in that respect, perhaps the Colombian’s arrival is inconsequential to Liverpool’s number 10.
But were Doku, or any player of a similar profile to arrive, that would be a clear signal that Mane is no longer seen to be a key part of Klopp’s plans.
Unless Liverpool can negotiate a new contract with AFCON champion, this summer would also represent the last chance to secure a fee for the 29-year-old. There have already been rumblings that he has spoken to his agent about a move away from Anfield.
It will be a painful day when the man who has scored 111 goals for The Reds departs, and he will go a Liverpool legend.
But Liverpool have to start thinking about the future. Should the chance to sign a player with the potential of Doku arise, difficult decisions may have to be made.
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