“With the way things are going, I just have to bring him back. He’s the only one that can change our fate” – This is according to FSG as they have a £75 million offer approved as they push to bring back Liverpool’s best left-winger, Sadio Mané.

As the 2025/26 season progresses, Liverpool’s shortcomings have become increasingly evident, with upgrades needed in several areas of the squad.

With the January transfer window fast approaching, FSG are actively monitoring potential arrivals, and Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo is understood to be high on their priority list heading into the winter business.

Liverpool’s January Transfer Focus

Triggering Semenyo’s £65 million release clause is a tempting option, but he is far from the only wide attacker available.

Semenyo has attracted interest from several Premier League rivals, including Manchester City and Tottenham, with Sky Sports reporting that Spurs have stepped up their pursuit.

However, Liverpool have identified multiple possible targets. According to Caught Offside, the club have received a boost after Real Madrid placed Rodrygo on the market for around €85m (£75m). The Brazilian’s struggles in Spain have continued to mount, and with his future increasingly uncertain ahead of 2026, he appears destined for a fresh start.

Why Liverpool Are Eyeing Rodrygo

Despite his dip in form, Rodrygo is still regarded as one of the most naturally gifted forwards in the game—a player whom Luka Modrić once described as a “world-class superstar.” His recent numbers at Real Madrid have been disappointing, but the potential clearly remains.

Cody Gakpo has delivered steady output on the left for Liverpool, yet he does not replicate the explosive impact once provided by Sadio Mané. Rodrygo, however, could bring that level of dynamism back to the flank. Even during a slump, FBref data shows he ranks in the top tier of attacking metrics: top 14% for shot-creating actions, top 6% for progressive carries, and top 10% for successful take-ons per 90 minutes.

Rodrygo prefers operating on the left despite being used heavily on the right for Madrid. As a right-footer, he is at his most dangerous cutting inside and driving at goal, offering both creativity and directness.

Rodrygo’s Career Output by Position

Right wing: 148 games — 34 goals, 31 assists
Left wing: 89 games — 23 goals, 18 assists
Centre-forward: 85 games — 22 goals, 8 assists
Attacking midfield: 4 games — 1 assist
(Data: Transfermarkt)

Like Mané, Rodrygo is versatile, unpredictable, and capable of producing match-winning moments. With Luis Díaz’s departure in the summer and Mané long gone, Liverpool have lacked a truly elite left-sided weapon—something Rodrygo could immediately restore.

Liverpool’s analytics department is known for identifying undervalued potential. Despite scoring only five league goals last season, Sofascore data shows Rodrygo missed just one big chance, suggesting that with consistent minutes in a central role at Anfield, his end product could rebound dramatically.

At the same age Mané was when he arrived from Southampton, Rodrygo has already achieved far more in elite European football. His mentality and experience could be exactly what Liverpool need to reset their trajectory.

If FSG decide to pursue him seriously, Rodrygo has the profile to reignite Liverpool’s attack and become their most impactful left winger since Mané’s peak.

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