Former Liverpool defender Jose Enrique has urged his old club to go out and sign Jarrod Bowen or Bukayo Saka, if Sadio Mane does indeed leave Anfield this summer.
The Senegal international had teased prior to Saturday night’s Champions League final that he would offer an update on his future, with just 12 months remaining on his contract. “Come back to me after Saturday and I’ll give you the best answer you want to hear, for sure. It’s special,” Mane told reporters.
And despite previous reports suggesting he could look to manufacture an exit, his calm and relaxed demeanour didn’t indicate he was a player on the verge of leaving. But just hours after their European campaign came to an end with a 1-0 defeat by Real Madrid, news started to surface that he will be looking to move on.
Bayern Munich are reported to be the frontrunners for his signature, although they are still miles away from the type of valuation that Kop bosses have in place for the 30-year-old. The Athletic reports that unless a suitable replacement arrives at Anfield, Mane will not be allowed to leave, regardless of the offer made.
With that in mind, Enrique, who spent five seasons on Merseyside, has picked out West Ham forward Bowen and Arsenal star Saka as two that could fit into Klopp’s side. Along with a new forward, the Spaniard has suggested that Liverpool need a new right-back and central midfielder if they are to go one better in both the Champions League and Premier League next term.
“We definitely need a back-up for Trent Alexander-Arnold. Trent will start so we need a younger player to put Trent on his toes,” Enrique told Genting Casino. “Max Aarons from Norwich would be a good player to have. He’s not the quality of Trent but he’s a bit like Tsimikas with a similar style.
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“We need a starting number eight. Thiago Alcantara is brilliant but he has injuries every season. Keita has the same injury problems, Henderson is getting older so we need a number eight for sure.
“I don’t know too much about the Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni but you look at Luis Diaz and the recruitment usually gets it right. We also need a right winger and I think Jarrod Bowen or Bukayo Saka could be a great shout as they’re both not playing in the Champions League so it’s a big possibility.”
Klopp has spoken publicly of his admiration for Bowen, whose 18 goals in all competitions saw him end as the Hammers’ top scorer last season. "I like Bowen a lot," the German said earlier this year. "He made his way up from Hull and took not too long to show exactly what kind of player he can be in the Premier League. He made big steps."
"Bowen, what a player he became," Klopp added. "He was at Hull as well but I don't think anybody expected this kind of jump. Unbelievable player."
As for Saka, the Gunners are desperate to keep hold of one of their most prized assets and are expected to conduct lengthy negotiations over an extended deal at the Emirates. But the player has expressed his desire to test himself in Europe’s top competition and Klopp has also hinted of his admiration for Saka, labelling him a “very young and exciting player” back in November 2021.
