Liverpool path to Sadio Mane replacement clears after Arnaut Danjuma concerns frighten Newcastle away
Newcastle have pulled back from the race to sign Arnaut Danjuma this summer to leave Liverpool with just one club left to overcome, per a report.
The Guardian recently reported Liverpool will only sell Sadio Mane this summer if they have a suitable replacement lined up first. Mane has just one year left on his contract and is expected to push for a move in the coming months. Bayern Munich are the primary club in the frame for his signature at present.
One star forward who could succeed Mane on the left wing is Villarreal’s Arnaut Danjuma.
The Dutchman, 25, enjoyed a whirlwind campaign in Spain that saw him plunder 16 goals and four assists in 34 appearances. Six of those strikes came in the Champions League.
Reports from Spain have repeatedly indicated Danjuma has a release clause on his current deal. Outlets have diverged when attempting to pin down the exact amount, though the common consensus is that it’s below £40m.
Liverpool, Man Utd and Newcastle have been linked with bringing the ex-Bournemouth attacker back to England.
Newcastle’s interest seemingly stemmed from the Eddie Howe connection. The Magpies boss signed Danjuma when in charge of the Cherries.
Liverpool want Arnaut Danjuma
Liverpool are looking at Arnaut Danjuma as a potential Sadio Mane replacement.
But according to talkSPORT, Howe has concerns over the temperament of the Netherlands international. As such, they will seemingly not stand in either Liverpool or Man Utd’s way if they firm up their interest.
The pair’s interest in the attacker is reaffirmed by talkSPORT. Any move would be good news for newly-promoted Bournemouth who reportedly inserted a hefty sell-on clause into Danjuma’s deal at Villarreal.
Will Liverpool move for Danjuma?
The Reds’ chances of landing Danjuma almost certainly hinge on Mane’s future. If the Senegalese stays, the need for Danjuma will be diminished.
Regardless, Danjuma seems open to returning to England if the latest reports out of Spain are anything to go by.
According to El Periodico Mediterraneo, the Dutchman wants to leave Villarreal and ‘will do everything possible’ to make that happen. He reportedly has not adapted to life in Spain since leaving Bournemouth last summer.
Another winger to emerge on Liverpool’s radar for Mane replacements is Serge Gnabry.
The pair have both excelled in recent seasons and are around the age of player Liverpool like to sign. What’s more, they both have experience of English football and may therefore be able to bed in straight away.
Luis Diaz will no doubt have a strong say as to who starts on the left wing next season. But with Divock Origi on course to join AC Milan and Mane exit-bound, Jurgen Klopp needs a new arrival.
