Next Sadio Mane rejected Liverpool for ‘a better project’
Liverpool have been rejected.
It doesn’t happen very often, especially when Jurgen Klopp rolls out the red carpet. Few can resist the German’s charm, but here we are.
Sadio Mane is a vital part of the side but he’s 28 now and will need replacing in the long-term, which is exactly what sporting director Michael Edwards has looked to do.
Diogo Jota was signed this summer but the future might not have been in the form of the Portuguese international had things gone differently.
Klopp and Edwards had their fingers in a number of different pies – but the player earmarked to replace Mane has spoken about the decision he made to turn down Liverpool.
Jeremy Doku was linked with a move to Anfield in the summer and RTL has carried an interview with the Belgian, in which he describes why he decided to reject Klopp.
Doku moved to Rennes for £25 million and has made two appearances, including a start during the second week he was available for selection.
Six goals and seven assists for Anderlecht in 37 appearances were enough to catch the eye of the Ligue 1 side, who fought off competition from Liverpool and Newcastle for his signature.
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This is a man Klopp had tried to bring to Anfield before he signed professional terms as the gaffer gave Doku the full red carpet treatment.
But the teenager saw Rennes as the better option and cited the superior ‘project’ on offer in France, said RTL.
"“I chose Rennes because it was the best project that presented itself to me.“Ligue 1 is a higher level (than in Belgium). We play the Champions League too. I have to take new steps. More will be expected with my new club, that’s for sure, but it’s up to me to prove (my talent).”"
They are playing in the Champions League and there’s a clearer path to the first team and competing at that high level straight away. Just because Doku is playing in Ligue 1 now doesn’t mean Liverpool have given up their quest to sign him.
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A few good seasons across the Channel, and in Europe, could see Klopp turn those puppy-dog eyes towards the Belgian once more.