Journalist Dean Jones has told GiveMeSport that thanks to the form of Diogo Jota, Liverpool’s famous front three could be broken apart in the summer.
Jones believes that it is ‘very likely’ that at least one of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah or Roberto Firmino will leave Anfield before the start of next season.
Over the past three seasons, Mane, Salah and Firmino have been unbreakable as a trio and have been labelled as the best front three in world football over this period of time.
However, there were times when the trio showed fatigue or if one of them were injured, Klopp had very little backup. So, the German boss opted to bring in Jota from Wolves to act as healthy competition, and he has thrived since the move to Anfield.
With the trio’s contracts running out in summer 2023, Jones believes now could be the time for change in the Liverpool frontline.
“The rise of Jota is going to make Liverpool’s transition to a new front three so much smoother. There was always an anxiety attached to the idea of losing Salah, Mane or Firmino. But that’s not the case anymore. I’ve heard from a good contact that it’s very likely at least one of the front three will leave in the next transfer window.” Jones reported.
TIF Thoughts on the rumours that Firmino, Salah or Mane could be leaving Anfield this summer…
Jota has quietly made his way into the side, meaning that Firmino has seen his game time halted.
With Jota’s excellent form, mixed with the arrival of Luis Diaz from Porto in January, it wouldn’t be as big of a disaster if one of the fabled front three were to leave, as opposed to 18 months ago when they arguably would have been a far lesser side without them.
The likes of Divock Origi – who incidentally remains at Anfield for the time being – have struggled to fill in adequately at times as backup to the main men, despite the odd acts of heroism, of course.
Obviously, if Salah or Mane were to leave Anfield, there would be an expected decrease in goals and it could take time for the side to adapt without them. However, Diaz and Jota are certainly seen as capable replacements for the long term.