In the latest of a number of blockbuster moves to have been agreed already this summer, Sadio Mane will shortly become a Bayern Munich player.
It was revealed on Friday that Liverpool had signed off on a £35 million deal that will see the 30-year-old Senegalese superstar head to the Bundesliga.
Having joined from Southampton for £33.5m in 2016, Mane has spent the last six years playing on the wing at Anfield. However, it appears unlikely that he will fulfil that same role at the Allianz Arena next term.
The reality is that the reigning German champions are overflowing with options in wide areas. As much as Bayern fans might be salivating over the prospect of watching Mane stretch defences across the Bundesliga from the left flank, the Bavarian giants look set to require their new man in a more central role.
Mane as Lewandowski replacement?
Despite having a year to run on his current contract, Bayern's prolific frontman Robert Lewandowski has gone on record to declare that his time with the club is over.
The 33-year-old Polish captain seemingly has his heart set on a move to Barcelona, although other suitors could still enter the race for his signature.
MUNICH, GERMANY - APRIL 12: Robert Lewandowski of FC Bayern Muenchen appeals to match referee Slavko Vincic after being shown a yellow card during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg Two match between Bayern München and Villarreal CF at Football Arena Munich on April 12, 2022 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
Regardless of where Lewandowski's future lies, it seems increasingly likely that he won't turn out for Bayern again.
Scorer of a staggering 35 goals in 34 Bundesliga outings last season, a Lewandowski departure would leave Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann with a serious void to fill.
Fortunately, Mane has already proved his ability in a central position for Liverpool, having been forced in from the left side when Luis Diaz arrived on Merseyside in January.
How Bayern could line up in 2022/23 with Sadio Mane in the side
When Mane eventually links up with his new Bayern teammates, he won't be the only new face at training either.
Moroccan right-back Noussair Mazraoui and Dutch midfielder Ryan Gravenberch will both join from Ajax ahead of the new campaign.
The 24-year-old Mazraoui is backed to slot in to the Bayern back four, alongside Alphonso Davies and French duo Dayot Upamecano and Lucas Hernandez.
MUNICH, GERMANY - DECEMBER 17: Alphonso Davies of FC Bayern München runs with the ball during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and VfL Wolfsburg at Allianz Arena on December 17, 2021 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
Naturally, legendary shot-stopper Manuel Neuer retains his place in the Bayern goal.
Gravenberch may find life tougher at the Allianz Arena and could have to show patience before displacing either Joshua Kimmich or Leon Goretzka in the centre of the park.
As much as we'd love to see Lewandowski and Mane in the same side, it simply doesn't look like it's on the cards at present.
Therefore, Mane is handed the centre-forward role in Lewandowski's assumed absence.
Another Bayern player whose future appears to be up in the air is Serge Gnabry. The former Arsenal winger has just a year remaining on his current deal - and is yet to agree an extension.
While Bayern could cash in on the 26-year-old this summer, Nagelsmann is not keen to lose a player who contributed 17 goals and 10 assists last season and has already insisted he is "confident" Gnabry will stay.
With that in mind, we've included him on the right-wing, opposite Kingsley Coman on the left. However, if Gnabry's status changes, Jamal Musiala and Leroy Sane are both able replacements.
Bayern are currently on a run of 10 consecutive Bundesliga title triumphs. Looking at the above teamsheet, it is tough to argue that they won't make it 11 straight in 2022/23.