Former Liverpool star Sadio Mane has found himself at the centre of transfer speculation, amid suggestions that he may be considering a return to his former club, Red Bull Salzburg. However, these rumours have been swiftly put to rest by the player’s agent, Bjorn Bezemer, who has emphasised Mane’s commitment to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
Having joined Al-Nassr in 2023, Mane has proven to be a pivotal figure in the team’s success, contributing 13 goals in the Saudi Pro League and aiding in securing a position in the upcoming season’s AFC Champions League Elite. Despite reports linking him to a move back to Red Bull Salzburg, where he experienced a prosperous spell, Bezemer has categorically stated that Mane has no intentions of leaving his current club.
“I have not engaged in any discussions with clubs regarding Sadio,” Bezemer conveyed to Fabrizio Romano. “He is diligently preparing for the season with Al Nassr and has absolutely no desire to depart. His club is exceedingly content with his contributions.”
Speculations about Mane’s return to Salzburg were further intensified by the appointment of Pep Lijnders, who had previously collaborated with Mane at Liverpool, as the club’s manager. However, Lijnders opted for a new venture in Austria rather than a return to Liverpool following Jurgen Klopp’s departure.
Despite Mane’s nostalgic sentiments towards his time at Salzburg, during which he scored 45 goals in 87 matches and clinched the Austrian Bundesliga title in 2014, it is apparent that his immediate future lies in Saudi Arabia. Mane has previously expressed his fondness for the city and the club, even scoring against Salzburg in a UEFA Champions League match while playing for Liverpool.
As Mane remains dedicated to preparing for the imminent Saudi Pro League season with Al-Nassr, it is evident that his allegiance to the club remains steadfast. With his existing contract set to expire in 2026, it is clear that Mane is fully committed to contributing to the achievements of his Saudi Arabian club.
The assertion made by Mane’s agent dispels any lingering uncertainties regarding the player’s intentions, reaffirming his loyalty to Al-Nassr. While the potential return to Red Bull Salzburg may have captured the imagination of fans, it appears that Mane’s immediate focus is on Saudi Arabia, where he is poised to continue leaving a substantial impact on the football field.