Three players Liverpool could sign to fill the void as Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane head to AFCON

Liverpool are set to lose star men Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane for around a month at the back end of December and January when they leave to represent their respective countries at the Africa Cup Of Nations.

Salah will link up with Egypt whilst Mane will be leaving to represent Senegal.

Title-chasers Liverpool will also lose Naby Keita to Guinea.

Salah and Mane have been instrumental to Liverpool’s recent success, with the two forwards being key components of a Champions League and Premier League triumph.

So far, Salah has 13 goals and eight assists in 14 games, and is widely considered the best player in the world on current form (even if the voting in the recent Ballon d’Or doesn’t say so), whilst Mane has also been crucial this season, registering seven goals and an assist in 14 games.

With Liverpool losing two of their best players, will they dip into the market to replace them?

The owners have come under heavy criticism for their reluctance to buy in the transfer market and only signed Ibrahima Konate in the summer.

With the front three currently looking like it will be Diogo Jota, Roberto Firmino and either Divock Origi or Takumi Minamino, who can Liverpool sign to replace their two world-class forwards?

1) Adama Traore - Wolves

Liverpool have been long-term admirers of Adama Traore. The Spanish winger was rumoured to be close to signing to the then Premier League champions in 2020, but Liverpool were put off by Wolves’ asking price.

At that point, Adama was coming off a great season, that saw him register 11 goal involvements in 37 games.

Since then, his form has been poor and Wolves are apparently lowering their asking price for the La Masia product to around £20 million.

Widely considered one of the most dangerous wingers in the league due to his blistering pace and power, if Adama could just refine his final ball and improve on his finishing, he would flourish as a top player.

2) Federico Chiesa - Juventus

Since joining on loan from Fiorentina, Chiesa has developed into a fine player for the Italian giants. This season, his form has been a little off and underwhelming but his summer was scintillating.

Chiesa showcased his talents on the world stage, his close dribbling, rapid pace and fine finishing was crucial as he led Italy to a Euros win, defeating England in the final on penalties.

With his skill set, he could develop into an excellent player, and looks tailor made for the Premier League.

Coming off the back of that successful summer, Chiesa’s price may be inflated a tad, and he is rumoured to be off to Chelsea for £84 million.

3) Arnaut Danjuma

Again, like Adama, Danjuma was rumoured to sign for Liverpool for around £20 million after a stellar season with Bournemouth in the Championship in the 2020/2021 season, as he got 24 goal involvements in 37 games.

He also scored in both of Bournemouth’s play-off games as they were defeated by Brentford.

Amid concerns over if he could make the step-up, Villareal took a punt on the Dutchman, and secured his services for £22 million.

And that investment has paid off, as Danjuma currently has five goals and two assists in 12 games in La Liga, along with two goals in five Champions League appearances for the Yellow Submarine.

His price is inevitably going to be inflated, but he could turn into a top player for Jurgen Klopp, as his dribbling, finishing and overall flair and confidence is all there.

Should Liverpool sign anyone off this list in January, or can they use their current squad?