Former Arsenal captain William Gallas has boldly predicted that Liverpool will not finish in the top four this season.
Even though the Reds have finished in the top in the last six seasons, Gallas believes the loss of Sadio Mane will have a huge impact on Jurgen Klopp’s side this season.
Klopp's side were made aware of Mane's desire to seek a new challenge away from Anfield during the summer, and finalised an overall package with Bayern Munich worth just over £35m for the Senegalese star.
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The Reds will receive a fixed fee of €32m (£27.4m) with a further €9m (£7.7m) in add-ons. €6m of the possible bonus payments will be (£5.1m) based on appearances with the remaining €3m (£2.6m) relating to individual and team achievements.
And Gallas believes that Luis Diaz, the man many believe will replace Mane in the Reds’ starting line-up, will not have the same impact as Mane did.
“As an ex-London player, I have to say Chelsea, Arsenal or Tottenham to win the Premier League,” he told Genting Casino. “On top four, Liverpool can miss out because they don't have Sadio Mane anymore and Diaz does not have the same impact.
“Liverpool always concede goals too, like we saw against Fulham. Even if I like how Liverpool play, I think it will be City, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham.”
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