Sadio Mané has left the door open to a potential Premier League return. The 34-year-old forward previously agreed to join Manchester United from Southampton in 2016.
What happened?
Mané had a contract agreed with Manchester United but chose to sign for Liverpool instead. He recalled the conversation with Jurgen Klopp, saying: "He said, 'We have a big project at Liverpool and I want you to be part of it.'"
Why it matters for Sadio Mané
The Senegal international is currently focused on his country's World Cup campaign. Mané's side faced France on Tuesday and are part of an intriguing group alongside Norway and Iraq.
Mané was one of the best attacking players in the world during his six-year stint with Liverpool. He helped fire the Reds to Premier League and Champions League glory under Jurgen Klopp.
What comes next?
Mané later joined Bayern Munich but endured a difficult year in Germany, prompting speculation about his future. He signed for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr in 2023.
The forward has scored 51 goals in 129 games across his three years at Al-Nassr. Mané will hope to help guide Senegal into the World Cup knockout rounds this summer.
Former United boss Louis van Gaal confirmed that the club had been interested in Mané. The Dutch coach spent two years at Old Trafford and left the club shortly after winning the FA Cup in 2016.
Mané met Newcastle United fan Martin Callanan, a Conservative life peer in the House of Lords, in 2023. Callanan asked Mané about a possible move to Newcastle, and the forward replied: "Never say never!"
This response has sparked speculation about Mané's potential return to the Premier League. With his current focus on the World Cup, it remains to be seen what the future holds for the Senegal star.
Mané's experience and skill would be a valuable asset to any Premier League team. His ability to score goals and create chances for his teammates makes him a desirable target for top clubs.
As the World Cup progresses, Mané's performance will be closely watched by fans and scouts alike. His future plans will likely become clearer after the tournament, and a potential return to the Premier League could be on the cards.