Liverpool new boy tipped to make Sadio Mane impact

Liverpool legend Phil Thompson believes Sadio Mane is a perfect example of why new signing Diogo Jota will succeed at Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp made a surprise late move to sign Jota from Wolves in a €44.7m deal to reinforce his attacking options at Liverpool.

The new Reds striker has since started two of his first four appearances, scoring a goal against Arsenal in the Premier League recently. There are even suggestions he could challenge for Roberto Firmino’s spot in the line-up.

And one man delighted with the club’s latest capture is Thompson, who believes Jota’s arrival is similar to when Mane joined in 2016 from Southampton.

“We were looking at someone else in a more attacking position, and I did a lot of Wolves games last year, and I was absolutely raving about Diogo Jota for months!” the former Liverpool defender told Paddy Power.

“This fella could play for all of the big clubs – no disrespect to Wolves – and when Liverpool signed him I thought it was a bit like the Sadio Mane signing.

“When he joined, people were saying: ‘Sadio Mane? Eh, plays for Southampton, is he any good?’ and look at him now, a superstar. A world-class player. And I think Diogo Jota can bring that to the club once again. He’s a terrific signing.

“If I was grading their performance in the transfer market, I’d rate it a solid 8/10 in terms of the incoming signings.”