3. Sadio Mane
Reported fee: €41.20m
In the summer of 2016, Liverpool raised plenty of eyebrows when they made Southampton's Sadio Mane the most expensive African player in football history, signing him for an estimated fee of €41.20m.
148 games, 72 goals, 32 assists, and more than 3 years later, the Senegalese winger is a Champions League winner, African Cup of Nations finalist, Premier League Golden Boot winner and is currently leading Liverpool's charge for the English title from the front.
The former RB Salzburg man is an electrifying inside forward capable of tearing defences apart and scoring goals at will. Mane is a superb finisher and brings a certain intensity to the box. On top of his ability to score goals and being able to win games, Mane is also a willing runner which helps him press effectively and help out the team defensively as well.
Mane has truly thrived in Klopp's high-octane brand of football and is arguably one of the best forwards in the Premier League and Europe. His unprecedented rise to the pinnacle of the game was even commended by 6-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi, saying,
It's a shame to see Mane finish in fourth place (in the Ballon d'Or standings)
Considering that the Senegalese is just 27, Mane could continue providing the Reds with more iconic goals and (imitated) celebrations for years to come.