Sadio Mane was sensational at Southampton but could Moanes Dabour follow in his footsteps by switching from Red Bull Salzburg.
Southampton invested £10 million in a little known Red Bull Salzburg attacker by the name of Sadio Mane in the summer of 2014, per the BBC. Two seasons, 25 goals and the fasted hat-trick in Premier League history later, The Saints made a £24 million profit by selling Mane to Liverpool.
Perennial Austrian champions Salzburg have launched countless careers since they became affiliated to a certain energy drink manufacturer with Naby Keita, Kevin Kampl and Dayot Upamecano emerging via the Red Bull Arena in recent years. But perhaps Mane, who shone at Southampton and justified becoming Liverpool’s club-record signing, is the pick of the bunch.
And it now appears that an Israeli international striker by the name of Moanes Dabour could following Mane’s footsteps with a January move to England. The Mail claimed last week that Leeds United were tracking the forward, who has 14 goals in 19 games to his name this season.
The Championship giants are understood to be in the market for a striker to replace the goals of Chris Wood and Dabour, who has helped Salzburg to the top of the Austrian league table while qualifying for the knockout round of the Europa League, appears to fit the bill.
The New Mane?
But perhaps Southampton should cast their mind back to the roaring success of Mane and keep a close eye on Dabour themselves. Though a 4-1 thrashing of a collapsing Everton side on Sunday may suggest otherwise, The Saints have struggled for goals this season.
Charlie Austin netted twice against The Toffees but The Mail reports that Manolo Gabbiadini and Shane Long are in danger of being sold in January with their poor form in front of goal showing no signs of coming to an end.
So Dabour should be in Southampton’s sights. And if he proves to be anywhere near as good as Mane, he would be another inspired addition.
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