Transfer News: Liverpool eyeing Vinicius Jr. as Sadio Mane replacement

Liverpool are reportedly considering Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. as a replacement for Sadio Mane ahead of the summer transfer window.

According to a report by Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Vinicius Jr. remains on the radar of Liverpool ahead of the summer transfer window. Jurgen Klopp is an admirer of the player and would like to bring him to Anfield as a potential long-term replacement for Sadio Mane.

Vinicius Jr. joined Real Madrid from boyhood club Flamengo in the summer of 2018, arriving at the Santiago Bernabeu as part of the influx of youngsters amid Florentino Perez’s project to create a long-term core at the club. Over the last three years or so, the youngster has been growing in stature in Los Blancos‘ first-team setup, although he is yet to perform consistently.

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The same has been prevalent in the ongoing season, with the 20-year-old having a return of 6 goals and as many assists in 37 appearances across all competitions. Despite blowing hot and cold, though, Vinicius is rated quite highly by Zinedine Zidane and the Real Madrid board. However, he is also the subject of interest from another top European club in Liverpool.

Liverpool appear to be in a precarious position over the future of Mohamed Salah, who has coincidentally been linked with Real Madrid in recent months. However, it is not the future of Salah that Jurgen Klopp is concerned about. Instead, the German tactician is eyeing Vinicius as a long-term replacement for Sadio Mane.

Therefore, the interest in the Brazilian prodigy does make a great deal of sense, with Klopp keen for Liverpool to secure his services. However, the Reds do not seem to have much of a chance of signing the 20-year-old in the summer transfer window, with Real Madrid intent on keeping hold of him.

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Nevertheless, it looks like following his brilliant display against Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League earlier this week, Vinicius could be subject to a transfer bid from Liverpool this coming summer. Having said that, with Real Madrid looking to retain the services of the Brazilian forward, it looks like Liverpool will have to turn their attention elsewhere to sign a replacement for Mane.