Liverpool could be forced to reconsider the transfer on their plans to replace Sadio Mane with reports suggesting the Reds will miss Ousmane Dembele. The Barcelona winger will become a free agent in the coming weeks, and is now said to be “close” to becoming the first signing of the new era at Chelsea.
Mane along with teammates Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah are now starting their final year at Anfield, and the Senegalese international declined to comment on his future ahead of the Champions League final. However, it is now widely reported that the 30-year-old has outlined his intentions to leave Merseyside after six seasons of success with Jurgen Klopp’s team.
Bayern Munich have been strongly linked with Mane’s summer move, scoring 120 times during his time at Liverpool. Reports indicate that the German giants should probably offer more than £ 35 million to convince the Reds to sell the versatile striker.
Luis Diaz has enjoyed a sensational start to his life at Merseyside following his move to Porto in January, and Klopp now faces the challenge of replacing one of his most consistent performers in recent seasons. A name targeted as a potential reinforcement of attack is Dembele, despite the French international struggling to live up to its £ 136 million price with Barcelona.
Xavi has repeatedly stressed his desire for the former Borussia Dortmund star to extend his stay at the Camp Nou, but as it stands, the 25-year-old will move this summer. Dembele is missing Mané’s goal with just two goals this season, but the winger has made 13 assists and has earned the faith of the Barcelona coach.
Liverpool have already submitted a “proposal” for a contract for Dembele to consider, according to the Spanish title Sport. Still, the Premier League runner-up looks set to lose the winger, with Mundo Deportivo now claiming Chelsea are on the verge of reaching an agreement.
The change would make Thomas Tuchel reunite with Dembele and mark the first arrival of the Todd Boehly era at Stamford Bridge. The winger has stressed that his options remain “open”, but a deal with the Blues would probably mean the departure of one of Callum Hudson-Odoi, Christian Pulisic, Timo Werner or Hakim Ziyech this summer.
In fact, it will be a busy summer for Premier League teams as they try to prevent Manchester City and Liverpool from dominating the top flight.