Shades of Mane: Liverpool contemplating signing £70m PL striker
This season has certainly had its challenges for Liverpool, yet recently there has been a flicker of hope at Anfield. In fact, Arne Slot’s squad has not faced defeat since a disheartening 4-1 Champions League loss to PSV Eindhoven, with the Reds demonstrating significant resolve and skill to amend their earlier troubles.
Hugo Ekitike, in particular, has excelled in recent Premier League victories against Brighton and Hove Albion and Tottenham Hotspur, netting three goals, prompting Match of the Day analyst Shay Given to label him as the “real deal” in the forward line. However, Liverpool is unlikely to be satisfied with their offensive options, as Alexander Isak is now expected to be sidelined for an extended period, leading to a new striker emerging on the Reds’ wishlist…
Liverpool eye a move for £70m striker
Current reports indicate that Isak will be unavailable for several months due to a major injury suffered against Spurs, compounding what has been a rough start for him at Merseyside. With the £125m forward absent for a significant duration, Liverpool will likely need to venture into the January transfer market to secure a new frontman, with Brentford’s Igor Thiago being a potential target, as he is currently the league’s second highest scorer.
A report from Caught Offside has disclosed that Slot’s reigning champions are keeping an eye on Thiago while seeking new attacking options, with Antoine Semenyo also still on their radar despite the likelihood of him signing for Manchester City. Brentford, however, appears reluctant to part with one of their key players mid-season, as they have placed a striking £70m valuation on the former Club Brugge talent.
However, this could potentially be the amount Liverpool must invest if they wish to acquire one of the league’s most effective forwards. The Reds have no regrets about their pursuit of Sadio Mane back in 2016, having snatched him from lower leagues at Southampton and then nurturing him into a modern-day icon.
How Thiago could become Slot’s own Mane
Mane came at a price of £36m in the summer of 2016, having made a name for himself as a dynamic player with the Saints, much like how Thiago is currently impressing at the G-Tech Community Stadium. Reflecting back, Mane was just starting to make an impact in the Premier League at St. Mary’s, accumulating 25 goals and ten assists across 75 appearances on the South Coast, which was enough to attract Liverpool’s attention.
He ultimately far exceeded those figures during his time at Anfield, with the Senegalese forward accruing an incredible 120 goals and 46 assists for Liverpool before his remarkable journey at Merseyside concluded in 2022. Nonetheless, his former Reds manager Jurgen Klopp’s view that the winger ranks among “Liverpool’s greatest ever players” stands true, as he delivered crucial goals that helped secure the FA Cup, Champions League, and Premier League throughout his illustrious tenure.
During the title-winning season of 2019/20 alone, Mane contributed significantly with 18 league goals, earning further praise from the German, who called him a “world-class” finisher deserving of being alongside the division’s all-time great strikers for his century of goals at Anfield, as pointed out by ex-Liverpool teammate Georginio Wijnaldum.
At this point, Thiago is not yet held in such high esteem in the Premier League, but similar to what Mane accomplished in the lower tier of the top flight, he’s made a substantial impression.
Thiago’s PL statistics for Brentford (25/26)
| Stat | Thiago |
|---|---|
| Games played | 17 |
| Goals scored | 11 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Scoring frequency | 128 mins |
| Goal conversion % | 31% |
| Big chances missed | 8 |
According to his manager, this “phenomenal” scorer, who has already amassed 11 league goals this season, is indeed showing why he merits a hefty £70m transfer, aiming to mirror Mane’s incredible achievements. He even received the Player of the Month award for November across the entire league, with his consistently “magnificent” displays for the West London team – as Andrews has also sung his praises – undoubtedly leaving him eager for a progression, with Mane having made a similar leap years ago from Southampton.
Adapting well at Brentford this season, especially after both Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa departed in quick succession, highlights a striker capable of thriving under pressure, as Thiago may receive a Mane-style opportunity if Liverpool comes calling in January for his services.
Published: 2025-12-24 20:40:00
source: www.footballfancast.com
