The 2025/26 season has proven to be a difficult one for Liverpool and Arne Slot. The title-defenders are struggling to even grab 3 points nowadays. Liverpool lacks a difference-maker and a game-winner on the left flank. FSG needs a left-winger like Sadio Mane to lead the team in this slump.
The Left Flank Concern
Liverpool are mainly struggling in the defensive area, leading them to concede 20 Premier League goals this season. However, their weakness on the left flank is going unnoticed. Cody Gakpo is reliable, but he lacks the game-changing ability that defined Sadio Mane. Luiz Diaz looked promising but never reached the same heights and left this summer.
The Reds need a statement signing, someone who has tasted success and contributed heavily to that success as well. Though the previous signings have failed to produce major results, this is one of the only ways to fix the fanbase’s faith, along with improved results.
According to sources, FSG could bid for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo for £75 million. Real Madrid are considering the player for a transfer due to his lack of performance and tactical shifts. This could allow Liverpool to buy a 24-year-old Brazilian who has proved himself on the biggest of stages.
Could Rodrygo Be the Perfect Replacement?
Rodrygo is someone who can back himself with stats. He has a history of scoring in important matches, such as UCL knockouts. His recent streak of going 30 games without a goal is concerning. However, it could be due to an unstable rotation, which has significantly affected his game time.
The club has to look beyond the goal drought and focus on his stats instead. Rodrygo is a proven game-changer. His 90th-minute brace against Manchester City in the UCL knockouts after coming on as a substitute defines his abilities. His ability to create chances and net the ball remains intact.
Furthermore, Rodrygo’s preference to play on the left wing serves as another advantage. He has been forced to play on the right for Real Madrid alongside Vini Jr. on the left. He’s a right-footed left winger who is the strongest on the left, which is exactly something Liverpool is looking for.
Legacy of Sadio Mane
Rodrygo and Sadio Mane share some similarities and have striking parallels. Though Rodrygo only scored 6 LaLiga goals last season, he missed only one big chance. This defines his ability to maximize goals despite limited chances, a trait shown by Sadio Mane in his Liverpool days, who only missed 72 big chances in his six-year tenure.
🗣️ Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on Sadio Mane :
“Sadio Mané was like a lifeline. Whenever we were having a nightmare as a team, you could just pass the ball to him. He’d leap for the ball, elbows out in every direction, control it on his chest, and create something out of nothing!" pic.twitter.com/XUGP7AAHNy
— Anything Liverpool (@AnythingLFC_) November 13, 2025
Another factor that makes this transfer better for Liverpool is Rodrygo’s age and experience. Coincidentally, Sadio Mane was also the same age as Rodrygo when he joined Liverpool. The Brazilian has managed to gain vast experience and trophies at a young age. This aligns perfectly with Liverpool’s project.
Bringing a player of Rodrygo’s caliber could change things around for Liverpool. His availability would bring goals and also upliftment in the squad. A complete player such as Rodrygo can become the focus of their attack. He’s someone who could provide the star power that’s been missing since the departure of Sadio Mane.
Author’s Insight
Liverpool’s £75 million bid for Rodrygo offers the Reds an immediate solution to their left-wing concern, evident since the departure of Sadio Mane. Rodrygo is the closest player who could serve as a replacement for Sadio Mane. He would provide Arne Slot with the decisive superstar who could help Liverpool go back to their winning ways. He’s also someone who could be the perfect heir to the legacy of Sadio Mane.
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