Liverpool have completed the signing of Senegalese player Sadio Mané from Southampton. 

Sadio Mané has become Jürgen Klopps fourth signing and one of Liverpool’s most expensive at £30 million behind £32.5m paid for Christian Benteke and £35m for Andy Carroll. This is also Liverpool’s fifth player from the Saints. They include, Rickie Lambert, Dejan Lovren, Adam Lallana & Nathaniel Clyne.

The fan base has been split over the signing especially because of the price tag. Some may think that with that sort of money, Liverpool should be looking elsewhere, also the fact that it will be another player from Southampton. With most signings from Southamtpon being rather underwhelming.

Under Jürgen Klopp though, the faith must be kept. Mané was once a target of Klopp at Borussia Dortmund, meaning he must know a little bit about him, even before Klopp came to England. He is in charge of the clubs ins and outs and the supporters should be encouraged by his signings at Dortmund. Players who Klopp brought that weren’t necessarily ‘big names’ but fulfilled their potential and have become very bright talents. Lewandowski, Kagawa, Gotze, just to name a few. 

Supporters will feel that the way the Mané deal was handled, is exactly how future signings should be dealt with. Quick, pinpointed and done. Liverpool have a habit of taking far too long ‘monitoring’ a player and end up losing out. This on the other hand was a smooth transaction. 

Sadio Mané

“Today is a big day and I am very happy to sign for one of the biggest clubs in Europe.”

Sadio Mané should excite the Liverpool supporters. With pace, power, assists and goals, Mané will bring an element Liverpool are missing in the team. With Sturridge, Firmino, Coutinho, Origi and now Mané available, Jürgen Klopp will be satisfied with his attacking options. Liverpool also know Mané very well. Always seems to score against them and has done so twice last season. Once at Anfield and twice at St Mary’s Stadium in their comeback win.

There’s no doubt that Mané can score goals. It’s just a matter of settling in at the club and Klopp getting the best out of him. The question is though, who will he replace in the team? For me it has to be Lallana, although he has been brilliant under Jürgen Klopp he still needs to be more clinical in front of goal and more effective.

Stats via Squawka

Where will Sadio Mané play and who will be replace? For me it has to be Adam Lallana. As you can see Sadio Mané contributes more attacking wise and will score goals and assist. Mané has 11 goals to his name unlike Adam Lallana who only has 2 in the Premier League. Not good enough from Lallana as an attacking player and for me will be replaced by Mané.

Sadio Mané

“It’s a club that has won a lot of trophies and has a big history.”

Sadio Mané’s 14 goals in 2015/16. 

Mané is still just 24, and still is relatively young. He has a lot to learn under Jürgen Klopp but it is something I am sure the supporters, Klopp and Mané are relishing. Mané is also a Premier League proven player. Which makes it easier to get stuck in straight away. Liverpool may have to wait for Mane to make is official debut though, as he is a member of Senegal’s international squad, and could potentially miss a month of action in 2016-17 due to the Africa Cup of Nations. Hopefully it will be worth the wait.

Written by Vilson