Jürgen Klopp already found ‘next Sadio Mané’ who could solve Mohamed Salah issue for Liverpool

This is going to be a sentimental but also exciting summer for Liverpool. With plenty of departures already confirmed who have played a key role in Jürgen Klopp’s reign at Anfield, and potentially more on the way, there’s going to be a lot of transfer activity at the club.

Liverpool needs to significantly bolster not only Klopp’s starting XI but also his depth in the squad. Klopp has already confirmed the club is looking at ‘every position except for goalkeeper’ as per Blood Red, and while the central focus will be on midfield, there is room to strengthen other areas of the pitch.

One of the most vulnerable positions is on the right wing where Liverpool has had to rely on Mohamed Salah as the sole first-team option to fuel the club’s offensive line. But with Salah not getting any younger and set to turn 31 years old this summer, it’s moot for just how long the Egyptian will be able to continue without occasionally being given a much-needed and well-deserved rest, especially if Liverpool intends to continue to try to compete on all four fronts.

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Of course, at Salah’s age, Liverpool will soon also need to think about finding an appropriate future heir to the Egyptian’s throne. The Reds will hope he can continue at the top for as long as possible but with his contract only until 2025, there needs to be some sort of pre-emptive planning at Anfield about his successor.

One player who has been heavily monitored in the past by Liverpool and who could suit that role is Jérémy Doku. Last summer he was linked with a move to the club by the Daily Express but a move never materialised then. As a teenager, he even visited the club’s offices where Klopp allegedly told him he would be the next Sadio Mané, but as Doku later recalled to Ouest France he turned that offer down in search of more first-team football.

That’s paid dividends, Doku made a name for himself at the 2020 Euros only a few years later and while he has suffered some injury problems at Rennes, he’s always looked dangerous. Injury problems for a player of his style are going to occur at a younger age, but it seems like having grown into his body, Doku has finally escaped his struggles and is once again thriving in France.

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He’s made 11 goal contributions in 1,529 minutes at club level which equates to 0.64 goal contributions per 90. That’s definitely not a bad return, and as he has settled back into the rhythm, he has looked better and better with five goals and two assists in his last seven games in Ligue 1.

Considering Klopp has said Liverpool is looking at ‘every position’ it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Reds register an interest in Doku once again based on his recent form.

At 21 years old, he is the ideal option to play that backup role behind Salah on the right wing, where the Belgian is also the most comfortable. Not only is Doku good enough to make an impact right now in Liverpool’s first team, but if he can continue to develop and fulfill his potential, he will also be a more than competent long-term replacement for Salah in the future.

With his contract expiring in 2025, having entered the last two years of his deal at Rennes, there is no better time to strike for Liverpool than this summer while he still hasn’t signed a new long-term deal.

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Report: Liverpool want £20m star who was another of ‘the best midfielders’ at World Cup besides Mac Allister

Liverpool have reportedly set their sights on Leeds United and United States midfielder Tyler Adams.

This is according to 90Min, who claim the Reds are one of several clubs eyeing the 24-year-old.

As well as Liverpool, the likes of Manchester United, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are apparently circling.

Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images

In addition, there are clubs in Germany, Italy and Spain reportedly tracking Adams too.

However, the transfer fee that Leeds are likely to demand means he is likely to remain in England, said the report.

90Min does not mention how much the Elland Road outfit would want for Adams.

Leeds bought the USMNT captain from RB Leipzig for a reported £20million including add-ons just last year.

Liverpool are in dire need of bolstering their midfield ranks this summer amid expiring contracts and ageing legs.

Meanwhile, Leeds are planning for life in the Championship after suffering relegation on the final day of the Premier League season.

The Whites have a number of top players in their ranks which could now be up for grabs as the club looks to slash its wage bill.

‘Incredible’

Adams wouldn’t be a bad shout for Liverpool.

He’s just 24 years old, very talented, has Premier League experience and is proven at the highest level.

Adams made over 100 competitive appearances for RB Leipzig and has also won 38 United States caps.

He played at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where DaMarcus Beasley deemed him one of the best midfielders at the tournament.

“If you look at a player that shows his importance to a team, the man is Tyler Adams,” the USMNT legend told Fox’s World Cup Now show, via the Daily Mail.

Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images

‘What he does for the US team is incredible. The way he tracks back, the way he covers… watch his aggression, look at his heart.

“You can tell he wants to win. It doesn’t matter who gave up the ball he’s gonna yell at… if it’s Christian [Pulisic], if it’s [Brenden] Aaronson, [Tim] Weah, it doesn’t matter. He just wants to win.

‘His ability to be able to know when to… play simple, play long balls.

“I think he has a very high ceiling and I think he is one of the best midfielders in this tournament. Not just with the national team, but in this tournament.”

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