Liverpool will prioritize “best value” transfer targets over a bidding war with rivals Manchester United by Darwin Núñez. That’s according to Liverpool.com, who claim that the Reds are willing to repeat the position of former sporting director Michael Edwards and avoid overpaying for the Benfica star.
Sadio Mane’s bombshell on his future after the Champions League final defeat has left Jurgen Klopp looking for the transfer market for a replacement. The Senegal international has one year left on his contract at Anfield and has been closely linked with the move to Bayern Munich.
Mane returned from the African Cup of Nations victory and shone in an unknown central role, with Golden Boot winner Mo Salah and January signing Luis Diaz on either side. The 30-year-old was Liverpool’s top scorer in the second half of the season, and his long-awaited departure leaves Klopp looking for a high-caliber striker capable of playing on the front line.
However, Liverpool’s problem is that the daily headlines surrounding Mane’s desire for a new challenge have alerted the clubs to take advantage of them. Regardless of whether the Reds bank exceeds £ 35m for the former Southampton striker, they will almost certainly have to contend with inflated price tags as a result.
ENTRY: Liverpool broke the transfer record when Sadio Mane’s departure was confirmed
The Times reports that the Liverpool hierarchy has been impressed by Núñez and is ready to take the striker to Anfield next season. However, Premier League runners-up are not ready to seal the deal “at any cost”.
Liverpool have already shown restraint this summer, with the club refusing to match Real Madrid in the pursuit of French international Aurelien Tchouameni. The Monaco midfielder has reportedly agreed a change to the Champions League holders in a deal worth up to £ 85 million.
READ MORE: Arsenal, Chelsea, Man Utd and Man City stars are more valued than Mohamed Salah at the new table
Julian Ward is facing the unenviable task of replacing Edwards as sporting director of Anfield, and hopes of a quiet introduction to the role have been shattered by Mane’s desire to leave. Ward’s predecessor was widely praised for his nuanced role in recruiting the club, which helped Klopp’s team compete with Manchester City at the summit.
The signing of Diogo Jota in September 2020 was an example of Edwards’ firm refusal to pay above the odds. Liverpool opted for the Wolves instead of tying Timo Werner’s exemption clause at RB Leipzig, and the Portuguese international constantly impressed for Klopp’s side.
And the latest reports suggest that this is an approach that Ward is ready to replicate ahead of the planned bidding war for Núñez. The Benfica striker is seen as a viable replacement for Mané, but the Reds have already selected several more affordable alternatives to fill the gap.