Liverpool line up speedy former Premier League winger as replacement for Sadio Mane
Liverpool are reportedly lining up a move for Villarreal star Arnaut Danjuma just in case Sadio Mane leaves Anfield for free in July 2023.
The former Bournemouth winger has been catching the eyes of scouts in LaLiga. The Netherlands international has been impressive and his numbers this season have vindicated Villarreal’s decision to pay as much as £21m for the player.
Danjuma signed a five-year deal in Spain and became their record signing after blasting 15 goals in the Championship for the Cherries.
The 25-year-old has scored 13 goals across 28 appearances in La Liga and the Champions League this season. He also collected four assists.
It’s that form that has got a number of teams interested in the attacker. And the fact that he has played in the Premier League with Bournemouth will make him even more attractive.
Goal and Spox report that Liverpool are one of the teams interested in the left winger.
The Reds’ recruitment team, lead by Julian Ward are looking at potential replacements for Mane.
The Senegal star is out of contract in 2023, along with Mo Salah.
Salah is in talks over a new mega deal. But Mane’s future will not be resolved until the end of the season at the earliest. And then Liverpool will have Roberto Firmino, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita’s contracts to consider. With that trio also out of contract in 2023.
Danjuma has ‘good pace’
Speaking to TFM Senegal this week Bjorn Bezemer, the executive director of Mane’s agency ROOF, said: “We talk a lot with Liverpool but currently we are not talking about a contract extension,” as relayed by The Anfield Talk.
“We are waiting for the end of the season.”
The report suggests that a potential move for Danjuma would not get rubberstamped this summer. But if Mane’s future was unresolved then a move for the player could happen in 2023.
Danjuma, who started Wednesday’s Champions League tie with Bayern Munich, is viewed as the biggest threat to the Germans by coach Julian Nagelsmann.
“He’s a very dangerous striker who can always be tipped out onto the left wing.
“He has good pace, good movements and is comparable to a top European player,” said Nagelsmann.
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