Stop talking about replacing Sadio Mane

The Liverpool transfer news generator is in full flow, but why is all the talk about who can replace Sadio Mane?

Are people just getting a little bit antsy and want to see players bought and sold? It’s what we all like reading about, it’s what I like writing about.

But the problem with Liverpool is that this team is so settled, the line ups so easy to predict, that there aren’t many areas open to strengthening.

Another problem is that forwards are the best one to fantasise about, and this season there are a few who get mouths watering and brains working overtime.

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Jadon Sancho, Timo Werner, Kai Havertz. These three are up for grabs in the summer and would all give Liverpool a little boost next season, if not instantly improve the first team.

The thinking seems to be that the Reds can only afford one of them if someone like Sadio Mane is sold. Mohamed Salah has had the same problem. But why are we talking about replacing anyone at all?

For Liverpool to be considered as the best club in the world, it needs strength in depth about the squad and we’ve seen that Jurgen Klopp lacks that. Divock Origi hasn’t kicked on in the fashion that we wanted, especially after he signed that new deal at the start of the season.

Xherdan Shaqiri has been injured, Takumi Minamino still needs to get up to speed. It’s clear that Klopp will have to think again during the next transfer window.

The new Nike deal will give Anfield coffers a bit more of a boost, too, so they shouldn’t have to sell a first team star in order to afford to bring anyone else in.

And we certainly wouldn’t want to sell a genuine world-class star to afford someone who isn’t as good as the man they replace.

Sadio Mane is here to stay, as should Mohamed Salah. Let’s put an end to this talk of shifting one on and look forward to the days when Liverpool have four top players to call on up front.