Liverpool has been encouraged to consider recruiting Franculino Dju from Danish side FC Midtjylland, drawing parallels between the striker and Reds’ icon Sadio Mane.
During his tenure at Liverpool from 2016 to 2022, Senegalese international Mane became a pivotal player under Jurgen Klopp, emerging as one of the Premier League’s finest forwards. His contributions, with 120 goals in 269 games, were instrumental in Liverpool’s triumphs in various competitions, including the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, Club World Cup, and UEFA Super Cup.
After a challenging stint at Bayern, Mane moved to Al Nassr in August.
Liverpool could potentially secure a player resembling Mane in a future transfer window. Ben Bocsak of Liverpool.com proposed Franculino as a potential target for Klopp, envisioning a trio akin to Mane, Mo Salah, and Roberto Firmino. However, with Mane’s departure to Bayern Munich in 2022 and Firmino’s move to Saudi club Al Ahli this summer, Salah remains the sole component of that attacking setup at Anfield.
Franculino, a 19-year-old versatile attacker who can play as a centre-forward, second striker, or right winger, emerged from Benfica’s youth system before joining Midtjylland on a free transfer last summer.
His decision to move to Denmark has proven rewarding, enabling Franculino to gain valuable senior-level experience, displaying impressive form. He has scored 12 goals and contributed three assists in 18 appearances this season, including five goals in three Europa Conference League qualifying games, albeit Midtjylland’s eventual elimination by Legia Warsaw. His recent brace and assist against Silkeborg further underscore his burgeoning talent.
Bocsak likens Franculino to a ‘new Mane,’ highlighting his ability to glide past defenders and his versatility across multiple attacking roles—an attribute Klopp values in young talents. Mane’s transition from left-wing to centre-forward during his Liverpool stint proved successful, and Franculino could replicate such impact if he joins Merseyside.
Franculino, representing Guinea-Bissau internationally, could be an affordable acquisition for Liverpool, valued at just €1.2 million (£1 million) by Transfermarkt. However, Bocsak suggests Liverpool take a couple more years to scout him, allowing for further development and increased first-team exposure.