Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp have been eyeing Marco Asensio for some time, and now Zinedine Zidane is willing to let him go in exchange for another star on Merseyside.
The player is Sadio Mane, and Zidane is willing to do anything to lock down the Senegalese winger. Real Madrid’s offense sputtered last year after losing Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus, which resulted in the Galacticos bringing ZIdane back in to try to solve the problem.
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Mane has been on the Frenchman’s mind for a long time, and according to Express UK, that is the only way Klopp will get his hands on Asensio.
According to Spanish publication El Desmarque, Liverpool would be able to sign Marco Asensio from Los Blancos for €75mllion (£67m) with Sadio Mane going in the other direction. The report suggests that Asensio, who scored one goal and created four assists in La Liga last season, would be Klopp’s ideal choice to strengthen his squad.
£67m plus Sadio Mane seems like a very steep asking price for a player who did not really contribute a whole lot in terms of goals and assists last year for the La Liga side. On the contrary, Mane bagged 26 goals, won the Champions League and the Premier League Golden Boot, making him one of the most worthy players in the world.
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His value should at least be upwards of £100m. Liverpool should be the ones taking on cash if they give up the former Southampton winger. He has been with the club for three years, and while rumors have swirled around the past two summers, the AFCON player has made it clear his intention is to stay at Liverpool for the time being while he is still winning trophies and competing among Europe’s best.
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Jurgen Klopp will be disappointed at the asking price, as Asensio could add real depth in a number ten position for the Reds. However, it appears he will have to make a large sacrifice if he does indeed want his services.