The African Dominik Szoboszlai is coming to Liverpool

The clearest example is Szoboszlai but his not the only one.

Sadio Mane was a former Red Bull Salzburg player. His pace, intensity, and pressing ability made him a perfect fit for Jurgen Klopp’s system, helping Liverpool win both the Premier League and Champions League.

There have been other arrivals as well. Naby Keita and Takumi Minamino. The former even played for Red Bull Salzburg as well as RB Leipzig.

More recently Ibrahima Konate also arrived from RB Leipzig.

The reason these transfers often work so well is because Red Bull clubs develop players in a style very similar to Liverpool’s.

High pressing, tactical intensity, physical fitness, and quick transitions are central to both systems.

As a result, players arriving from Salzburg or Leipzig are usually already suited to the demands of Liverpool’s football, making the adaptation process far smoother than it might otherwise be.

One of the names currently being linked with a move to Anfield is Mamadou Sangare, and it's interesting to note that he's actually a Red Bull product himself.

He moved from Mali to Red Bull and developed within their system at 18-years-old.

Those Red Bull influences are clear in the way he plays at RC Lens right now. He's a very high-intensity midfielder who could be an ideal signing for Liverpool because he possesses many of the qualities the club values most in a modern midfielder.

Energetic, technically gifted, and aggressive out of possession, Sangare fits the high-intensity style Liverpool have built their identity around in recent years.

One of his biggest strengths is what Szoboszlai excels in as well - pressing aggressively, recovering possession quickly, and driving the ball forward with confidence. At a young age, he already shows maturity in possession and a willingness to do the demanding work without the ball - traits Liverpool consistently look for in recruitment.

Given Liverpool’s success developing Red Bull players, Sangare appears like a player perfectly suited to thrive at Anfield and grow into a key long-term option for the club.

© IMAGO - Mamadou Sangare Liverpool Red Bull Salzburg

The data reflects this as well.

He has won possession more times (194) than any other player in Ligue 1 this season.

He also ranks among the top 10 midfielders for the following metrics:

• 1st for ground duels won (154)

• 1st for possessions won in the final third (1.0 per 90)

• 2nd for tackles (82)

• 2nd for interceptions (40)

• 2nd for successful dribbles (1.30 per 90)

• 9th for chances created (35)

• 10th for successful long balls (3.20 per 90)

That's an incredible list and it proves he is more than likely the one heading to Liverpool. He was voted the best African player in Ligue 1 this season and he will likely be available for around £40m.

This is the type of signing Liverpool like to make. Sangare can become their next Szoboszlai. And the prospect of those two in midfield next season is mouthwatering.