Klopp can unearth Mane 2.0 in LFC deal for “magical” £34m maestro, it’s a no-brainer – opinion

This summer could represent a time of change at Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp has made three new signings in Fabio Carvalho, Calvin Ramsey and a club-record £85m move for Darwin Nunez as he aims to rejig the Reds’ squad.

There could be plenty of outgoings too, and with Sadio Mane sealing a move to Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich this week, the wonderful triumvirate of him, Mohamed Salah and Robert Firmino is no more.

Although his side may never quite be the same without the mercurial Senegal international, Klopp may be able to replace him with either Diogo Jota or Luis Diaz filling the void left by Mane, or by making a move for another new signing.

It has been reported that the German is keen on signing Real Madrid star Marco Asensio in order to cover the position vacated by Mane, and with the Spaniard only having a year left on his contract at the Bernabeu, a deal for £34m could be done this summer.

According to FBref, Asensio is one of the 10 players who are most similar to the Senegal star, and he could end up being the perfect replacement for the 30-year-old at Anfield.

The 26-year-old scored ten goals in La Liga last season as Real Madrid won their second title in three years with ease.

Asensio is a clear goalscoring threat, just like Mane, with the Spaniard ranking in the top 6% compared to positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues for total shots (3.25 per 90) and non-penalty goals (0.51 per 90).

He can also turn provider when required, making one key pass per match and creating one big chance in 2021/22.

He has been dubbed “magical” by football writer Andrew Gaffney in the past, and it’s clear to see from Asensio’s numbers and performances last season why Klopp wants him at Anfield.

The German’s transfer business